Country of origin: United States (from southeastern New Mexico to Guadalupe Mountains in western Texas)
Description
Among members of genus Agave, has small to medium-size seeds and is an evergreen succulent plant with a rosette height of 25–40 m and width of 30–69 cm. Leaf width is 5–13 cm and length 20–46 cm. The leaves are lanceolate and range from light grayish blue-green to light green. The edges have large serrated teeth ranging from dark brown to gray. The flower stalk is 2.4–4m. It forms numerous new bulbs. Is one of the most cold-tolerant members among genus Agave and can grow at −29°C or higher. It is xerotolerant. Propagation is primarily performed by seeding or new bulbs.
The indigenous peoples have used it for food and when burned and carbonized, in ceremonies.
Uses: Core (food, ceremonial use)
References
Gentry, H.S. 1982. Agaves of Continental North America. The University
of Texas Press, Tuscon, Arizona, USA.
Irish, M., Irish, G. 2000. Agave, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener’s
Guide. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon, USA.
