Agave Varieties

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave parryi x Agave flexispina showcases the combined traits of its parent species, making it a visually appealing and diverse plant. From a landscape design perspective, it provides a captivating contrast through its leaf colors, spine patterns, and overall form. The hybrid’s variation in leaf color is one of its greatest appeals, ranging from blue-grey to grey, which is more in line with Agave parryi, the margins are often adorned with prominent, dark brown or black spines that are often lighter and softer than those seen with Agave parryi. This combination of color and striking edge definition creates a focal point, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal.

3. Common Names and Etymology

Agave ocahui var. ocahui doesn’t have an abundance of common names, likely due to its more restricted geographic distribution and less intense cultivation compared to better-known agave species. Common names include:

• Ocahui Agave: This name is derived directly from the scientific name, reflecting its origin.
• Lechuguilla: In some regions of northern Mexico and the southwest United States, this name is sometimes used, although it is more commonly used for other Agave species.

The scientific name, "Agave ocahui var. ocahui," indicates its lineage within the Agave genus and its specific location of origin. "Agave" (from Greek agavos or agaue meaning "noble" or "admirable") and "ocahui" refers to the town of Ocahui, located in the county of Bacoachi along with the Mexican state of Sonora, where the plant was first described. "Ocahui" in the varietal name signifies that it is a variant of the species Agave ocahui.

3. Common Names and Etymology

While often referred to by the scientific binomial Agave ornithobroma, a common name is "Bird-Breathing Agave", this common name stems from the specific epithet "ornithobroma," a combination of Greek words. "Ornitho" likely refers to birds and is very commonly used when referring to birds and their environment. "Broma" likely refers to food or eating and can be found in many plant names. The meaning refers to the possible traditional usage of the plant to birds as a food source, or the potential for birds to somehow utilize the plant (such as in nesting) or for the observation of birds associated with the plant. These elements combine to give an impression of this connection to a bird habitat that would have been used on plants growing on the edges of bird habitat within the agave’s local areas. The common name may likely have arisen as an accurate and observant method of reflecting the plant’s characteristics in particular locations.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave oroensis reveals elegance in its form.

Agave ortgiesiana is a rosette-forming succulent, typically growing to be about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and wide at maturity, though in ideal conditions, it can larger. The overall shape is symmetrical, with a dense arrangement of leaves originating from a central crown.

• Leaf Characteristics: The leaves are broad and lanceolate (shaped like a lance head), typically a vibrant green or bluish-green. The most striking feature is the red or crimson margin that extends along the entire edge of each leaf. Leaf edges have no teeth or spines early in its life, but may develop small, irregular teeth as it matures. The leaf shape is generally flat, slightly curved, and somewhat fleshy.

From the dry, mountainous heart of Durango, Mexico, emerges the magnificent Agave oteroi, a living sculpture often admired for its perfect symmetry and compelling textures. While a relative newcomer to widespread cultivation, this agave, with its slow, deliberate growth – often only a few new leaves per year – and compact form, is rapidly gaining a reputation as a highly prized addition to any succulent garden or xeriscape. Its striking pale green to grey-green leaves, often edged with delicate reddish-brown teeth, create a truly unforgettable aesthetic, making this plant both a visual delight and a testament to nature’s artistry.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave ovatifolia is a large succulent perennial that forms a majestic rosette. Mature plants can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in height and 8 feet (2.4 meters) in width. The growth habit is slow and steady, with the plant gradually increasing in both size and grandeur over many years if undisturbed. The leaves are a striking blue-grey color, often described as glaucous, offering a hazy, frosted appearance. They are thick, fleshy, and broad, ranging from 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) in length and 1 foot (0.3 meters) wide. Their shape is typically broad and ovate (egg-shaped), narrowing slightly towards the base. The margins are smooth, lacking teeth or spines except for a small, sharp terminal spine at the apex of each leaf, which is usually brownish-red. As the plant ages, the leaves gently curve, adding to their graceful form. Following flowering (which occurs only once in its lifetime after several decades), the parent plant dies, but often produces offsets (pups) at the base before its demise. These offsets are essentially clones of the parent plant. The striking color of the leaves, combined with their unique form and the plant’s eventual flowering stature, truly make this agave a standout specimen. The lack of prominent teeth or spines along the margins makes it a relatively forgiving agave to manage in landscaping; its overall form looks striking and contrasts any other landscaping scheme nicely.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave ovatifolia ‘Giant’ is a striking, large succulent. It has a mature size is notable – reaching up to 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) in height and 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters) in width. It has a rosette formation. The characteristic leaves, which give the plant its common name, are broad, thick, and gently curved, resembling a whale’s tongue. The leaves are a stunning blue-gray color, often with a glaucous (waxy) coating that reflects sunlight. Their margins (edges) are typically smooth, though young plants may exhibit small, sharp points that are lost as the plant matures. The leaves are relatively flexible and robust. There are no prominent markings or variegation. As the plant matures, typically after several decades, it produces a massive flower stalk, which can reach up to 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) in height. The stalk is highly branched, producing clusters of yellow flowers. The plant is monocarpic, meaning it dies after flowering, but it usually produces many offsets (pups) before it dies, ensuring continuation. The overall size and striking blue-gray hue of the leaves are the primary distinctive features setting Agave ovatifolia ‘Giant’ apart from many other agave species and cultivars. It has a unique shape and size, allowing it to make a strong statement in a cultivated environment.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave moranii presents an elegant form with a moderate growth habit.

• Size and Growth Habit: Mature specimens typically reach a height and width of approximately 0.5 to 1 meter (1.6 to 3.3 feet), forming a symmetrical rosette shape. Growth is generally slow, contributing to its appeal as a long-lived ornamental plant.
• Leaf Characteristics: The leaves are broad, fleshy, and lanceolate, characterized by a striking grey-green coloration. The leaves are rigid and slightly concave towards the center. Leaf margins are finely toothed, with small, sharp, reddish-brown spines. The terminal spine is long and strong. Young plants may feature distinct markings on the leaves.
• Flower Characteristics: Agave moranii is monocarpic, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime before dying, often taking many years (sometimes decades) to reach flowering maturity. The flower stalk can reach heights of up to 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet), featuring a branched structure with many yellow blooms. The blooms’ shape are mostly bell-shaped and of a pale yellow coloring. The flowering process is an impressive display, often attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
• Unique Features: The profuse production of offsets (pups) at the base of the mother plant is a distinguishing characteristic, leading to the formation of striking clumps. This clonal behavior contributes to their high value as a desirable specimen plant and ease of production.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave kerchovei is a medium-sized succulent, generally reaching a height and width of 0.6 to 0.9 meters (2 to 3 feet) at maturity. Its growth habit is relatively slow, forming compact rosettes that can persist for many years. The leaves are its most prominent feature. They are narrowly lanceolate, gently curving upwards and outwards, with a distinctive velvety texture and a slightly grayish-green hue. The edges are typically smooth, lacking large spines, although some may exhibit small, fine teeth. These features, combined with the slow growth, make it an excellent choice for landscaping. The leaves have a charming appearance, and often feature a subtle groove along the edges, enhancing their graceful form.