Agave applanata aka Agave

Agave applanata is an evergreen succulent from Mexico. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. LLIFLE places its native core in Veracruz and nearby Puebla. People spread it north in ancient times. It grows in dry forests, shrubland, and on old lava flows. Some sites also support juniper and pinyon trees. Useful Tropical Plants lists it as Least Concern.

The plant forms a dense rosette of stiff, blue-grey leaves. Young rosettes spread low, then stand more upright with age. Garden plants reach about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their width can reach 5–7 feet [1.5–2 metres]. Larger accounts report heights near 6.6 feet [2 metres]. They also report widths near 11.5 feet [3.5 metres]. Plants may lack a stem or have a short one. Dark teeth line the leaf edges, and sharp spines tip them. New leaves can show marks pressed by older leaves.

Growth is slow, and flowering may take 15–25 years. The plant flowers once, in spring, then its main rosette dies. Basal offsets can live on and replace the parent. Yellow to yellow-green flowers grow on a tall, branched stalk. LLIFLE gives stalk heights of 16–26 feet [5–8 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants reports extremes of 33–46 feet [10–14 metres]. The blooms draw hummingbirds, insects, and bats.

Give it full sun and soil that drains well. Sandy or loamy soil with acid to neutral pH suits it. Water well during growth, then let the soil dry. Keep it almost dry in winter. RHS rates it H2 and calls for frost-free winter shelter. LLIFLE suggests dry plants may tolerate much lower cold, near 16°F [−9°C]. That claim is tentative, so the hardiness accounts differ. In Britain, a greenhouse or conservatory provides winter protection. Patio pots, gravel beds, and rock gardens suit its bold form. Container plants stay smaller than plants grown in the ground.

Scale insects can attack it, though RHS reports few disease problems. It needs no pruning. Grow new plants from seed or remove young offsets. Its strong leaf fibre has served for rope, nets, baskets, and sandals. Modern materials have reduced that use. The food account lacks direct evidence for this species. It instead draws on traits shared within its agave group. Do not treat that account as proof of food safety. RHS warns that contact can irritate skin. It also warns that dogs and cats may suffer harm after eating it. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling its spiny leaves.