Agave lophantha (Thorncrest Century Plant)


Botanical Information

FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusAgave
Specieslophantha
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginNative to the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - 10
Temperature (°F)5 - 50
Height0.6 - 1.0 m
Spread0.3 - 0.6 m
GrowthSlow

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright rosette.
LandscapeFocal point, barrier plant for partially shaded to sunny sites in large desert gardens and xeric landscape design themes.
PropagationSeed and division of basal offshoots.
CultivationPlant in full sun to light shade and irrigate occasionally to very little.
PestsRoot rot if soil is wet.
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatChihuahuan desert, south Texas into Chihuahua.
Leaf DescriptionSaw-like flat leaves grow from a dense rosette base and spiral outwards. dark green leaves, with yellow edges and a pale green strip down the middle; the leaves are also accented with dark red teeth lining the sides.
Flower DescriptionGreenish yellow flowers on a stalk which can reach 3.5 metres tall.
Texture DescriptionLeaf tips are dangerously rigid and sharp and can can cause injury.

Photographs