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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Agavaceae (now Asparagaceae) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: <1 foot |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Agave isthmensis (Dwarf Butterfly Agave) - A small, offsetting agave with the individual rosettes reaching to 1 foot tall by an equal width with 4 to 5 inch long by 2 to 3 inch wide powder-gray-blue ovate leaves that narrow towards the base and are at their widest near the tip. The leaves have a slightly gritty (rugose) texture and margins that have shallow rounded lobes with prominent dark reddish-brown teeth and a terminal spine. The flower stalk can reach to 6-7 feet tall with short side branches bearing yellow flowers. Plant in full coastal sun or filtered to part sun inland and irrigate only occasionally. This is not listed as a hardy Agave but we have had plants remain unscathed after nigh time temperatures of 26°F. There are a few forms of this plant that comes from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which is located along the southern coast of Oaxaca. The more common form in cultivation has smoother textured leaves and comes from an area near the coast at Salina Cruz but this form comes from a bit more inland to the north of Santo Domingo Tehuantepec northwest of the town of Santiago Laollaga. A great Agave for little nooks in the a coastal succulent garden and also great as a container plant.
The information on this page is based on research conducted about this plant in the San Marcos Growers library, from online sources, and from observations made of the crops growing in our nursery, plants in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens where we may have observed it. We also have incorporated comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from those who may have additional information, particularly if this information includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Agave isthmensis. |
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