Family: Asparagaceae
Compound: Aga par
Synonyms: Agave americana var. latifolia, Agave applanata var. parryi
Geographic Origin: AZ, NM, TX, North-Central MX
Characteristics: A large, perennial succulent rosette, with varying compactness. The leaves are large, pale blue, blue-white, blue-green and ovate to lanceolate depending on the subspecies. The leaf margins are lined with sharp, black, brown, or grey teeth which are often slightly recurved. The leaf narrows to a hardened terminal spine, and the hardened spine material continues down the margin slightly before the teeth begin. The inflorescence is a panicle, first resembling a giant piece of asparagus emerging from the center of the plant, and developing into a huge, branched structure, capable of reaching 4-6m (13-20ft) in height. The tube-like flowers are red when young, turning yellow when in bloom. Stamens stick out past the petals. Fruits are oblong with distinct chambers each with rows of flat, black seeds.
Natural History: Found in rocky to clay soils, on hillsides, slopes, on bajadas and in grasslands at elevations of 5000-7000ft (1524-2134m). It flowers in the summer, and may hybridize with sympatric Agave species in the wild, such as Agave chrysantha.
Cultivation Notes: Agaves are widely cultivated for their attractive form, and hardiness in landscapes. This species specifically is commonly available, and can be easily propagated from seed or offsets like other Agaves.
For seed propagation, use a well draining substrate composed of roughly 60% mineral, 40% organic material (pumice, compost). Fill a pot to an inch or more below the rim of the pot with substrate, spread seeds evenly across the surface, and lightly sprinkle substrate, or sand on top in a thin, 1-3mm (0.03-0.1in) layer. If sowing outside, water regularly enough to keep substrate constantly moist, or place pot in a humidity holding container indoors under an LED. A ziploc bag, or transparent plastic box work well for indoor germination.
If your Agave makes pups, these can be removed and placed in soil to clone the plant. Agaves can be forced to pup by damaging the meristem with a drill or other tool.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Many Agave species can be used to make food and alcohol, or fiber. Indigenous peoples selected for desired traits and created Agave “domesticates”
Today, agaves are still used for the above reasons, as well as modern landscaping due to their many attractive forms, ease of propagation, and hardiness.
Citations:
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Agave&formsubmit=Search+Terms
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=Agave+parryi&for…