The Beavertail Cactus in Bloom

Edible and, oh 
so beautiful to behold,
pink blooms grace my yard

~ carliewired

Opuntia basilaris is one of only two cactus that has been allowed to remain in my yard. I do enjoy cactus, but living with them in close proximity is very different than admiring them from afar, When we first took over this property (3 years ago), there were several other tall, lanky cactus that grabbed at us and stuck in our laundry items on the clothesline. They were just too close for comfort on so many levels. They have been removed. 
This lovely pink beavertail usually blooms just as we depart for home mid March. This year, it's a bit early. No doubt that is a testimony to the amount of rain that's been received this winter. The bees are really enjoying this today.