Agave striata aka Narrow Leaf Agave

Agave striata is an evergreen succulent from northern and central Mexico. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. Names include narrow leaf century plant, sotolito, and espadín. It grows in dry valleys, on slopes, and across plains. Its habitats include limestone scrub and dry forest. Wild plants grow on sandy ground and coarse, rocky soils. The species has a broad range and grows in protected areas. Useful Tropical Plants reports its 2019 IUCN status as Least Concern.

The plant forms dense, rounded rosettes on short stems. Rosettes stand about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. They span about 1.6–3.9 feet [0.5–1.2 metres]. Many slender leaves give each rosette a bristly outline. Mature leaves measure about 0.8–2 feet [0.25–0.6 metres] long. They remain narrow, even near the base. The plant branches from its base and makes suckers. These new shoots help it form a clump. LLIFLE notes its close likeness to Agave stricta. Its shape can also lead people to mistake it for yucca.

A mature rosette sends up a tall flower stem. Useful Tropical Plants gives its height as 4.9–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. That source says the rosette dies after flowering. Chicago Botanic Garden lists yellow flowers from March to April. Its page also mentions summer bloom, so timing remains uncertain. Useful Tropical Plants lists bees, moths, and bats as pollinators. Chicago also records visits from birds and butterflies. It lists the plant as resistant to deer.

Grow this slow-growing agave in sun or light shade. Use porous soil that lets water drain away well. Water well once the soil feels dry to the touch. LLIFLE suggests winter watering once every one or two months. It gives a frost limit near 27°F [-3°C], with dry conditions helping. Avoid severe freezes despite the plant's good heat tolerance. Chicago lists USDA zones 7–10, a much broader cold range. These reports leave some doubt about its cold limits.

Gardeners grow it in pots and as a garden accent. Its evergreen leaves give shape through the year. People also grow it as a living fence. Local uses include leaf fibre for rope and leaves for roofing. The fibre has lower quality than that of some other agaves. Sharp spines can make reaching the basal shoots difficult. Growers can raise plants from seed or detach suckers. LLIFLE advises drying detached shoots for several days before planting. Useful Tropical Plants records no known food or medicinal uses for this species.