Agave durangensis

Agave durangensis is an evergreen succulent in the Asparagaceae family. It comes from southern Durango and Zacatecas in Mexico. It grows on rocky slopes and gravelly ground below hills. Its habitats include grassland, pine-oak woods, and some tropical deciduous forests. These sites lie at 5,580–8,530 feet [1,700–2,600 metres]. Kew places the species in desert or dry shrubland.

The plant forms a stiff rosette on a short stem. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 4.9–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Broader accounts record rosettes reaching 5.9 feet [1.8 metres] tall and 10.2 feet [3.1 metres] wide. The green leaves have a lance shape and toothed edges. Each tip bears a spine reaching 2.4 inches [0.06 metres] long. Mature leaves can reach 4.3 feet [1.3 metres] in length.

Growth is slow, with garden maturity taking about 10–20 years. Mature plants send up a tall stalk with yellow-green flowers. This stalk can reach 23–26 feet [7–8 metres] tall. The flowering rosette then dies. New offsets at its base may keep the clump alive. The plant's broad shape suits gravel beds and large containers. The RHS also lists courtyard, coastal, and subtropical gardens as uses.

Give this species full sun and soil that drains well. The RHS lists sand or loam with acid to neutral pH. Under glass, grow it in cactus compost. Water well during active growth, but keep it almost dry through winter. Feed with dilute liquid fertiliser three or four times during growth. It tolerates drought, but it does not withstand freezing. Its RHS hardiness rating is H2. Plants can spend summer outdoors in a sunny spot. In Britain, they need a greenhouse or conservatory for winter.

Scale insects may attack, though the RHS reports few disease problems. It needs no pruning. Raise new plants from seed, or detach offsets in spring or autumn. Its sharp tips and irritating sap call for protective clothing when handling. The RHS also warns that eating it can harm dogs and cats. Useful Tropical Plants records cooked flowers as food and its use for mezcal. Traditional leaf fibre uses include nets, baskets, rope, and sandals. These food uses do not establish that untreated plant parts are safe.