Description

Nevada agave occurs at higher elevations along the eastern edge of Inyo and San Bernardino Counties. The agaves are more commonly encountered at lower elevations in the deserts of the Southwest. Nevada agave is unusual in its tolerance of extreme cold. The growth form is typical with whirls of thick tapered leaves tipped with formidable spines. The leaves range in color from light olive green to gray green. Nevada agave is the smallest of California’s agaves at 18 to 24 inches in height. Like all agaves, Nevada agave wil flower once after many years of growth with a single tall, thin, unbranched shoot of yellow flowers. The plant will die following its bloom. A healthy plant will produce many plantlets around its base, and this clonal colony will live on as individual plants die. Provide Nevada agave with well-draining soil and a sunny site. No summer water is needed once the plant is established.