SafePlants

Agave schottii: Schott's Century Plant

Agave schottii, commonly known as Schott's Century Plant, Shindagger, or Schott's Agave, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Agave genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agave schottii
• Variety: Agave schottii var. schottii Engelm.
• Synonyms: Agave mulfordiana, Agave geminiflora var. sonorae
• Family: Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)
• Subgenus: Littaea
• Common Names: Schott's Century Plant, Shindagger, Schott's Agave, Amole, Schott Agave, Smallflower Century Plant, Arizona Agave, Arizona Century Plant, Bald Agave, American Aloe, Sisal, Sisal Hemp.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to rocky slopes and open, sunny areas of Southern Arizona, Southwestern New Mexico (USA), and Northern Mexico.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Plants are generally acaulescent (without stems), except when flowering.
• Forms rosettes, either solitary or in clusters, and freely suckers (produces offshoots).
• Rosettes typically range from 30-60 cm across and 60-120 cm tall.
• Leaves are mostly erect, widest near the base, and measure 20-40(-50) cm in length and 0.7-2.5 cm in width.
• A shrub forb/herb with a perennial duration.
• Tends to spread and form colonies.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as having fleshy foliage.

Considerations for Children

• One source notes that plants in the Agave genus may contain oxalate crystals that can penetrate the skin.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Shindagger" hints at the sharpness or potential hazard associated with the plant, possibly referring to the leaf tips.

Further Resources

• Dave's Garden
• PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• Native Plant Materials Development Program (plant@plantconservation.org)
• Canada Plants
• Plant Delights Nursery
• Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Universit di Trieste - Progetto Dryades