Description

Desert agave is one of about 18 species of California natives in the Agave family, which includes the Joshua tree and - somewhat surprising - soaproot. It grows naturally in California’s southeastern deserts, conspicuously populating sunny areas with sandy soil. The silvery blue leaves grow in a rosette to about three feet high and wide. After decades of growth, desert agave will send up a flower stock of several yards, topped with dramatic flowers of white and yellow. The mother plant will die shortly after flowering, but it will be replaced with young plants that sprout from the rhizome over time. In the garden, desert agave requires full sun and well-draining soil. It is tolerant of cold temperatures to at least 15F. Each leaf is tipped with a formidable thorn, so site desert agave carefully.