Parry’s Agave
(Agave parryi)
Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi)
/
/
CK Kelly
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
CK Kelly
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: CK Kelly | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: CK Kelly | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-06-29T20:30:57Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Agave parryi, commonly known as Parry’s Agave, is an evergreen succulent native to the arid regions of the Southwestern USA and Mexico, including rocky hillsides, grasslands, and desert areas. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet, forming a rosette of thick, grey-green leaves with a distinctive dark tan, brown, or black spine at the tip. The leaves’ margins are lined with sharp teeth, adding to its striking appearance. Parry’s Agave is particularly noted for its dramatic flowering process; mature plants produce a tall, twelve-foot stalk with bright yellow blooms, after which the plant dies. This monocarpic event occurs after several years of growth, and the plant invests all its energy into the stalk, flowers, and seeds.
Parry’s Agave is valued for its sculptural form and is widely used in xeriscaping and desert landscaping due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and as an accent plant in dry garden beds. While it is hardy to −5 °F (−21 °C), some specimens have been known to withstand temperatures as low as −20 °F (−29 °C). Gardeners should be cautious of its sharp spines and place it where it will not pose a hazard to passersby.CC BY-SA 4.0
Parry’s Agave is valued for its sculptural form and is widely used in xeriscaping and desert landscaping due to its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and as an accent plant in dry garden beds. While it is hardy to −5 °F (−21 °C), some specimens have been known to withstand temperatures as low as −20 °F (−29 °C). Gardeners should be cautious of its sharp spines and place it where it will not pose a hazard to passersby.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Arid regions including rocky hillsides, grasslands, and desert areas
Other Names
Common Names: Mezcal Yapavai, Parry Agave, Mescal Agave
Scientific Names: , Agave parryi, Agave leopoldii, Agave parryi var. parryi, Agave applanata var. parryi,
GBIF Accepted Name: Agave parryi Engelm.