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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Agavaceae (Agaves) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Synonyms: [A. Franzosinii, Hort.] |
| Height: 6-8 feet |
| Width: 8-10 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Agave franzosinii - A very large succulent. This century plant can grow to 8 feet tall by 10 feet wide that can be comprised of a single large rosette of powdery bluish-gray large leaves that undulate and bend gracefully. The underside of the lower portion of the leaf is often patterned with dark green where the glaucous covering was rubbed off from contact with older leaves which gives this part of the plant an almost dark variegation. The leaves have large teeth along the margins and a dark brown terminal spine. This infrequently flowering plant produces a towering inflorescence with yellow flowers that attract birds and bees (including Orioles) and then the main plant dies. Plant in full sun and irrigate only occasionally. Cold hardy to around 15 degrees F. This plant is unknown in the wild and has only been described from plants in cultivation. There has been notable variability in plants of this species and Howard Gentry, in his book "Agaves of North America" noted that this is probably due to seedling variation. Some forms exhibit large teeth that are widely spaced while others have smaller teeth more closely spaced. Foliage color variations have also been noted from a startling white gray to a light gray blue. Our form has white gray foliage with widely spaced large coarse teeth. A beautiful and unique Agave for a large space. The large plants along the main lawn at Lotusland are of this species. Use extreme care when working around or trimming any Agave. Not only are the spines wicked and cause a painful swelling if one is poked, but the sap of many species is caustic. Many a person has regretted using a chainsaw, which throws the juices back at the user, to trim an agave. When Alwin Berger first described this plant in "Die Agaven" he spelled the specific ephitet "franzosini' with one "i" and this spelling was used by Gentry in his Agave of North Americana".
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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