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Parry's agave
Scientific Name: Agave parryi
Family: Agavaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)
Agave parryi, commonly known as Parry's agave or mescal agave, is a captivating succulent prized for its sculptural form and resilience. It's a slow-growing species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Considerations for Pets
- Agave parryi features stiff leaves that may pose a risk of injury to pets.
- The leaves have marginal teeth and red to pink spines, which could cause discomfort or injury.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has stiff leaves that might be a hazard for small children.
- It has marginal teeth and red to pink spines, potentially causing discomfort or injury.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Agave parryi Engelm.
- Family: Agavaceae
- Common Names: Parry's agave, mescal agave, Parry agave, Parry's century plant, Century plant
- Synonyms: Agave chihuahuana, Agave scabra (Note: The provided text includes "Agave" followed by a special character string).
Subspecies and Varieties
- Agave parryi var. parryi
- Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Huachuca Agave)
- Agave parryi var. truncata
- Agave parryi subsp. parryi
- Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
- Specifically mentioned as native to central and southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and parts of Mexico at elevations around 7000 feet.
- Found in grasslands, chaparral, desert scrub, and pinyon-juniper environments.
- One variety is specifically associated with the Huachuca Mountains of southern Arizona.
Ecological Role
- Adapted to arid regions and tolerates poor soil and drought.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Rosette-forming perennial succulent.
- Evergreen perennial, growing slowly to a size of approximately 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in) in height and 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) in width.
- Leaves are stiff, fleshy, and typically blue-gray to blue-green.
- Leaves can be incurving, triangular, and have marginal teeth and red to pink spines.
- Forms compact, architecturally pleasing rosettes.
- Cold hardy to zone 5 with proper protection and is generally considered hardy to zone 8 (UK).
Quirky Facts
- Aged agave plants produce a 15 to 20-foot stalk with bright yellow blooms.
- It is also known as the century plant, but does not take 100 years to bloom.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Attracts wildlife.
Further Information
- Plant Delights Nursery is mentioned as a source for a wide variety of perennials, including Parry's Agave.