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(Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana)
Parry’s Agave (Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana)
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CK Kelly
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
CK Kelly
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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: 2019-06-15T19:15:50Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana, commonly known as Parry’s Agave or New Mexico Agave, is an evergreen succulent native to high-altitude, arid regions such as rocky slopes, grasslands, and desert scrub in the South Central United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming rosettes of thick, blue-green leaves with a distinctive spiny margin and a sharp terminal spine. The leaves may have an attractive white pattern of bud imprints. During its flowering period, which occurs once at the end of its life cycle (usually after 10-15 years), it sends up a tall spike that can reach over 10 feet, bearing clusters of yellow flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Parry’s Agave is valued for its drought tolerance and striking architectural form, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and is well-suited to full sun exposures with low water needs. The plant thrives in well-draining soils and is not tolerant of wet conditions, especially in winter. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to agave snout weevil, which can damage or kill the plant. After flowering, the main rosette dies, but the plant often produces offsets or "pups" that can be used to propagate new plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Parry’s Agave is valued for its drought tolerance and striking architectural form, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and is well-suited to full sun exposures with low water needs. The plant thrives in well-draining soils and is not tolerant of wet conditions, especially in winter. While it is generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to agave snout weevil, which can damage or kill the plant. After flowering, the main rosette dies, but the plant often produces offsets or "pups" that can be used to propagate new plants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
High-altitude, arid regions such as rocky slopes, grasslands, and desert scrub
Other Names
Common Names: Parry’s Agave
Scientific Names: , Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana, Agave parryi var. neomexicana, Agave neomexicana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana (Wooton & Standl.) B.Ullrich