SafePlants

Agave lechuguilla: A Desert Dweller

Agave lechuguilla, often called simply "lechuguilla" (meaning "little lettuce" in Chihuahua), is an agave species endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert. It shares its genus with the well-known century plant.

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves of Agave lechuguilla are tipped with a strong spine.
• The plant has thick, leathery leaves.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves of Agave lechuguilla are tipped with a strong spine.
• The plant has thick, leathery leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agave lechuguilla Torr.
• Common Names: Lechuguilla, Maguey lechuguilla
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Agave lechuguilla is found exclusively in the Chihuahuan Desert, across Mexico and in the southern US states of New Mexico and Texas.
• It thrives on free-draining calcareous soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• This agave is a tough, clump-forming plant.
• It's one of the smallest agaves in the Trans-Pecos area of the Chihuahuan Desert.
• Plants are acaulescent (stemless) and frequently produce suckering rosettes, forming openly cespitose (tufted) groups.
• Each plant consists of a crown bearing 20 to 30 thick, fleshy leaves.
• Leaves are mostly ascending to erect, typically 30-50 cm long and 2-4 cm wide.
• The succulent, yellow-green rosettes are 1-2 ft tall.
• Leaves are tipped with a strong spine.

Traditional Uses

• Native peoples of the Lower Pecos area utilized the strong fibers found in the leaves for various purposes, including tying objects together.

Additional Information

• Agave lechuguilla is listed as Least Concern due to its wide distribution.
• It's considered an "indicator plant" of the Chihuahuan Desert.
• The plant contains a substance that foams freely with water.

References

• Gucker, Corey L. 2006. Agave lechuguilla. In: Fire Effects Information System, Online. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest