Desert Agave
Agave deserti
Plant Form: Succulent
Water Use: Very low
Mature Size: 2 ft. tall x 2-6 ft. wide
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time: Spring (May), Summer (June-July)
Native to: California, Arizona, Baja California (between 300-5000 feet)
Hardiness: Cold hardy to 15°F
Desert Agave forms symmetrical rosettes of fleshy leaves in this slow-growing monocot. Stiff, sword-like blue-green leaves are edged with prickles, and tipped with a sharp spine. After 8-20 years, a flowering stalk shoots up, growing 5-15 feet tall in just weeks, with a candelabra-type stalk of yellow flowers. The rosette dies after flowering and setting fruit, but new rosettes usually grow around its edges. Desert Agave attracts birds, but repels rabbits and deer. Native Americans prized this plant for food and fiber. Hearts of the agave were baked in fire pits for a sweet staple, as were the young flower stalks. Fibers extracted by pounding the leaves were made into strong ropes, nets, bowstrings, sandals, mats, brushes, women’s skirts and ceremonial costumes. Give this long-lived succulent room to grow over time, and plant away from walkways or other high-traffic areas to avoid its sharp spines. This easy-care agave is beautiful as an accent, in mass plantings, rock gardens, medians, and on slopes. Great in containers.