Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Succulents

Smooth Agave, Agave desmetiana

Smooth Agave, Agave desmetiana. March 2, 2006 Arrowhead Ranch.

Smooth Agave, Agave desmetiana	Smooth Agave, Agave desmetiana
Smooth Agave, Agave desmetiana	Smooth Agave, Agave desmetiana

Smooth Agave Agave desmetiana, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Smooth Agave. A thick-leafed evergreen succulent which dies after blooming. It has pointed leaves which form a basal rosette. It has a slow growth rate. Smooth Agave can be confused with Octopus Agave, however Smooth Agave is smaller in stature, about 3 feet tall and 3 - 3 feet wide. Its soft, fleshy leaves are light green in color, and have they no teeth along the margins. The leaves do have a strong terminal spine. Agave desmettiana blooms only once, and then dies. However, blooming doesn't occur for about 8 - 10 years, and the plant produces an abundance of small "pups" around it's base which keeps the population going. The leaves of Smooth Agave develope a slight pink color along the margins and tips during blooming. Another variety, Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ has a narrow band of yellow along the leafmargins. Height: 3 feet tall. It spreads to about 3 feet. Flowers: A large thick, green, stalk emerges from the center of the plant, it becomes about 8 - 10 feet tall. Then pale yellow flowers about 1 1/2 inches long emerge in clusters on horizontal branches on an 8 to 10 feet tall panicle. Blooming Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid March - June. Leaves: The leaves symmetrical, a basal rosette, light green in color, and have they no teeth along the margins. Found: Native of Sinaloa (Mexico) or Cuba. Elevation: 0 - 2,500 Feet. In Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken March 2, 2006. Arrowhead Ranch.