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Parry's agave

Scientific Name: Agave parryi ssp. neomexicana

Family: Agavaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Shrub, Forb/herb, Subshrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)

Parry's Agave, also known as Mescal Agave, is a striking succulent admired for its sculptural beauty and cold hardiness.

Considerations for Pets

  • Agave parryi features stiff leaves that form symmetrical rosettes.
  • The leaves have marginal teeth with red to pink spines.
  • The plant has spiny brown tips.

Plant Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Agave parryi Engelm.
  • Common Names: Parry's agave, Mescal agave, Century plant, Parry agave
  • Family: Agavaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Agave chihuahuana
    • Agave scabra
  • Subspecies and Varieties:
    • Agave parryi subsp. parryi
    • Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana
    • Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Huachuca Agave)
    • Agave parryi var. truncata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the Southwest, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
  • Found in grasslands, chaparral, desert scrub, and pinyon-juniper habitats.
  • Prefers elevations up to 7000 feet.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Evergreen perennial succulent forming rosettes.
  • Slow-growing, reaching about 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in) in height and 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) in width.
  • Leaves are typically blue-gray to blue-green, short, wide and fleshy.
  • Mature plants produce a 15 to 20 foot stalk with bright yellow blooms.
  • Can reach a size of 2 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide.

Cultivation

  • Hardy to zone (UK) 8 and reportedly to zone 5 with proper winter protection.
  • Requires excellent drainage.
  • Tolerates poor soil and drought conditions once established.
  • Prefers full sun to part shade.
  • Water occasionally during very dry conditions.