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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Agavaceae (Agaves) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Flower Color: Green |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Synonyms: [A. flavescens ssp. macroacantha] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Agave macroacantha (Black-spined Agave) - This is a very distinctive small to medium-sized Agave is native to barren rocky ground in the Mexican state of Oaxaca and near Tehuacan in Puebla. It forms dense clumps to nearly 2 feet tall by 5 feet wide comprised of 10 to 16 inch wide rosettes. The rosettes have narrow blue-gray leaves that are evenly spaced and radiate straight out from the center of the plant. The leaves have very straight margins with contrasting small dark brown teeth and an even darker 1 inch long terminal spine. When this plant begins to flower the center leaves take on an attractive reddish hue from where the dark red inflorescence begins to emerge though it has been reported that the age of the plant needs to be 15 years or better to flower. Mary and Gary Irish report in "Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants" that it forms purple-tinged green flowers with a fuzzy interior and are borne on slender stalks to 6 1/2 feet tall that have 10 to 14 side branches. Plant in well drained soil in full sun (Light shade or eastern exposure in hot low desert areas). Little irrigation is necessary in coastal gardens but should be given occasionally in warmer inland situations. This plant has proven hardy in a garden in one of the coldest locations in Santa Barbara and has not been bothered by short duration temperatures as low as 20 °F, though it is listed by most a hardy only to 25° F.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.
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