Agave schidigera aka Thread Leaf Agave

Agave schidigera is an evergreen succulent from Mexico. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. It grows on cliffs and open ground in oak woods. Its native range includes Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, and Sonora. The plant forms a rosette with no clear stem. Most plants stay single, though some slowly form offsets. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 m) tall and wide. They may take 10–20 years to reach full size.

The narrow leaves give the rosette a balanced shape. They feel thin and bend more than many agave leaves. Their shades range from grey-green to yellow-green or bronze-green. Curled white threads grow along the leaf edges. The edges lack teeth, but each tip has a sharp spine. These spines start brown and turn grey with age. Pale marks from nearby buds trace patterns on the leaves. The marks can grow clearer as the plant ages.

Flowers appear rarely in gardens, from late spring into early summer. A mature plant can raise a tall flower spike. This may reach 9.8–11.5 feet (3–3.5 m). Sources describe greenish-white, yellow-green, and purple flowers. The central rosette dies once it has flowered. Offsets may carry on growing at its base. Gardeners grow this plant mainly for its leaves and form. It suits succulent beds, gravel gardens, and pots. Where hardy, it makes a small specimen or tropical accent.

Give it sun or some shade and soil that drains well. Sandy or loamy soil with an acid to neutral pH suits it. Light afternoon shade can limit leaf scorch in very hot summers. Water well during growth, but keep it nearly dry in winter. It can cope with drought and shallow, rocky ground. The RHS rates it H2 and calls for frost-free winter cover. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 8–10. In cold regions, grow it in a greenhouse or conservatory. It needs no pruning.

Most plants have few serious pest or disease problems. Scale insects and agave weevils can cause trouble. Slugs and snails may harm the leaves. Wet soil or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Handling the plant can irritate human skin, so wear gloves. Its sharp leaf tips can also cause injury. Dogs and cats may suffer harm if they eat it. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food or medicinal uses. That source reports possible use of its strong leaf fibre for cord.