Agave maculata aka Spice Lily

Agave maculata is a perennial: it lives for many years. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Its native range spans southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Its names include Texas tuberose and spice lily. LLIFLE lists two synonyms: Agave maculosa and Manfreda maculosa. It grows in dry scrub, on rocky slopes, and in ravines. It also grows in moist oak woods. Short stems below ground, called rhizomes, help form clumps of rosettes. The stem above ground stays very short.

Fleshy leaves form a rosette at ground level. They reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] long. Each narrow leaf has a deep groove down its length. Leaves arch upward but may lie flat in low light. Their silvery-green surface may be plain or have coloured spots. These marks range from green to purple and brown. Strong sun and drier soil deepen the red tones. Even seedlings from one seedpod vary in spot size and number. Some leaf edges curl back and have teeth spaced far apart. Drought can wither the leaves, leaving little above ground.

Flower stalks reach about 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Some reach 6 feet [1.8 metres]. Reports from gardens note even taller growth. The stalks bear a few small bracts, not full leaves. Scented flowers have six tepals joined in a narrow tube. They open pale greenish-white or cream, then turn pink and dark red. Each flower changes colour over three or four days. Six stamens and the style reach past the tube. In the wild, most blooms appear from April through June. Some appear in March, July, or later. Round seed pods, called capsules, hold flat, black seeds.

This plant suits rock gardens and pots with well-drained soil. It copes with drought and grows in direct sun. Growth starts again in spring and lasts through summer. It stops for its winter rest. Wet soil in winter can rot the roots. LLIFLE reports survival in USDA zone 5 with sun and good drainage. It also calls for early planting once frost risk has passed. The plant is slow to make offsets, or new side plants. Many plants sold in the trade come from tissue culture.

The rare Manfreda giant-skipper butterfly's caterpillars feed on the leaves. Deer, javelina, feral pigs, and small mammals also browse the plant. When they eat young flower stalks, plants may not bloom that season. Heavy leaf damage in drought can weaken or kill plants. The supplied sources do not make clear whether humans can eat it. Nor do they give clear evidence about whether it is toxic.