[Arid_gardener] RE: Agave

[Christine M. Bahto]

ORIGINAL QUESTION
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:38:40 -0700 (MST)
From: Ashleen at Comcast.net
Ashleen O'Gaea
85704

I'm trying to find out the name of a very elegant, sort of chalice-shaped
agave.  I saw some planted in front of a shop here in Tucson, and asked what
they were, and was told they're Octopus Agave, but looking at photos of
Octopus Agave, it's clear that's ~not~ what they are.  They're bluish-green,
4 or 5 feet tall, and the leaves curve out at the bottom and back in at the
top.  The closest I've been able to get on the web is Weber's Agave, but I
thought you might know more ....  Ideas?  Thanks!

Ashleen

ANSWER:

Ashleen,

With just your description to go by, you might want to take a look at both
Agave demettiana and Agave scabra. Both have leaves like you describe. Check
both of them out at www.MSWN.com/MSWNamazingagaves.htm , you will see photos
of other agaves as well, if neither one fit the bill.

Christine Bahto
Master Gardener, Maricopa County, U of A Cooperative Extension