Agave shawii

Botanical Name: Agave shawii
Common Name: Shaw's Agave

Rare throughout its range in California. Widespread elsewhere. Dark green leaves with curved spines are breathtaking. Makes a striking container plant. Leave room for the 7 to 12 foot tall flower stalk!

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Plant Family: Agavaceae

Plant Type: Succulent

Height by Width: 1' H x 2' W (flower to 12' H)

Growth Habit: Tight rosettes

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Slow

Sun Exposure: Full to part sun

Soil Preference: Well-draining

Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant to infrequent

Cold Hardy to: Frost tender

Flower Season: September - May

Flower Color: Yellow - Red

Endangered?: List 2/ RED 3-3-1

Distribution: San Diego, Baja California

Natural Habitat: Coastal Bluff Scrub, Coastal Scrub, elevation 30'-230'

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Care and Maintenance

History

Other Names

References

• Bornstein, Carol, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien. California Native Plants for the Garden. Los Olivos, CA: Cachuma Press. 2005.
• Harlow, Nora and Kristin Jakob. Wild Lilies, Irises, and Grasses: Gardening with California Monocots. Berkely and Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press. 2003.

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