Agave Americana

Description: Many subvarieties exist of this agave, which is naturalized in California and often seen growing wild and in gardens. Large agave with a rosette-shaped arrangement of stiff, fleshy, grey-blue-green leaves. A vigorous pupper, it also commonly reproduces by seed. Very tough and adaptable to a variety of conditions in California, with a long history of use in spirits and pulque. Dry farming potential once established. Estimated Size: 8-10ft height and width. Estimated Time to Maturity: 15-20 years. Propagation: Pups, seed. Uses: Spirits, pulque, landscaping. Care: Full sun but can also tolerate some shade. High drought tolerance, hardy to around 20°F, maybe lower. Suggest planting 11-12ft centers and 6-8ft down the row. Note: There is a great deal of scientific and academic literature, as well as practical experience from Mexico, regarding the lifespan of various agave species. In our experience, however, this information is not always correct for agaves grown in California--and in Northern California in particular, where most species have a limited track record of production. Our maturity estimates represent our best guesses based on our review of available information and the speed at which agaves are growing for us. Your experience may vary!