Spineless Agave

Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck

ah-GAHV-ee ah-ten-you-AY-tah

Liliaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name comes from Greek for noble. Attenuate means gradually tapered, presumably in reference to the shape of the leaf blade.

Natural range: Mexico

Recognition: A medium-sized agave having leaf margins free of spines.

Landscape uses: This species is one of the few shade-tolerant agaves, and the spineless leaf margins are safe. The plant has a tendency to form an irregularly shaped trunk which may rise or remain prostrate, and makes a profusion of basal rosettes. Agaves tend to have irritating leaf sap.