Description: Giant agave plant with thick, spiny, dark green leaves. Significant marginal teeth and terminal spine. Grown traditionally for pulque and spirits in Mexico, used mostly for landscaping in the United States, due to its size, structure, color, and adaptability.
Estimated Size: 5-7ft height, 6-8ft width
Estimated Time to Maturity: 15-25 years
Propagation: Pups, seed
Uses: Distilled spirits, pulque, landscaping.
Care: Full sun, high drought tolerance, hardy to around 20-25°F. 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!