Agave attenuata (Lion's Tail, Swan's Neck, Foxtail)

Michael's Opinion

Genus name comes from the Greek word agauos meaning to admirable or noble.

Botanical Information

FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusAgave
Speciesattenuata
CategoryPerennials
OriginNative to Mexico.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10 - 12
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneCool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)5 - 10
Temperature (°F)41 - 50
Height1 - 1.5 m
Spread1.5 - 2.5 m

Description and Growing Information

ShapeBushy. Could take 10 - 20 years to reach ultimate height.
LandscapeArchitectural patio, container, courtyard and gravel gardens.
PropagationPropagate by offsets.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade. Well-drained, slightly acidic, sand and loam soils.
PestsScale insects.
Notable SpecimensKings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
Leaf DescriptionRosettes of rigid, fleshy and spiny-edged leaves. Thick arching stem.
Flower DescriptionFunnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles that are much taller than the rosettes about 1.5 m in height. Rarely flowers.
Colour DescriptionPale green leaves. Flowers are a yellowish-green colour.

Photographs