Throughout Red Rock Canyon, you’ll have a chance to come across the blue-green pads of beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris). Although they lack large spines (unlike most of their prickly pear cousins), they do have small sharp bristles called glochids. Beavertail cactus blooms are typically in display during mid-spring with outstanding pink to magenta petals. Once pollinated, these flowers turn into sweet fruits. Desert tortoise, ground squirrels, and other wildlife will eat the fruits for a sugary treat.

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