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coastal agave

Scientific Name: Agave shawii

Family: Agavaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Agave shawii: Coastal Agave

Agave shawii, commonly known as coastal agave or Shaw's agave, is a striking plant native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Agave shawii Engelm.
  • Family: Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family) (Agave)
  • Common Names: Coastal agave, Shaw's agave, Boundary century plant, Shaw's century plant, Maguey primavera (Spanish)
  • Taxonomic Status: Accepted
  • Synonym: The text does not specify synonyms explicitly but mentions Agave orcuttiana in relation to Agave shawii subsp. shawii.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Agave shawii is native to the Pacific coast of Baja California, extending slightly north into the coastal chaparral of southernmost California and San Diego County.
  • It thrives in California coastal sage and chaparral habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Agave shawii is a medium-sized agave.
  • It forms colonies of multiple rosettes.
  • The leaves are green, ovate, and can grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions that the Agave shawii is easily seen from roadways when blooming, but its beauty is best appreciated up close.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Agave shawii.
  • The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is referenced, though not specifically in relation to Agave shawii.