Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
thorncrest century plant, holly agave
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Agave lophantha
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Agave lophantha is a small, succulent, perennial shrub with a form that can be described as a stemless rosette (1,2). It is slow growing, and variable in size, achieving a maximum height of 2 to 3 feet, and a width of up to 4 feet (1,3). The leaves are linear, succulent (fleshy) and flattened, sometimes reflexed; they are lanceolate in shape, tapering to a very sharp terminal spine, and have sharply toothed margins that imbue the leaves with a saw-like appearance (1,3). The leaves are typically solid green or yellow green in color, with parallel venation, light gray or white margins and teeth (1,3,4). The inflorescence is a tall stalk, growing up to 15 feet, that bears yellow green, funnel-shaped flowers along the upper portion in late spring or early summer (2,3,6). The appearance of the flowering stalk indicates the end of the life of the rosette, as it will only flower once in its lifetime and die soon after (1,2). However, the plant produces numerous “pups” or clones around its base that will persist until they too produce flowers (1,4). The fruit are loculicidal capsules, meaning they are dry, dehiscent fruit that split open lengthwise, bisecting each loculus, to release the seeds (1,6).
Compound:
Aga lop
Geographic Origin:
Texas, Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Neartic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Agave lophantha is native to the Rio Grande Plains and coastal areas of southern Texas, as well as northeastern Mexico; It has naturalized in central Texas and is often grown as an ornamental in other warm, desert climates (1,2,5). It typically occurs at an elevation of 0 to 5,000 feet above sea level, in limestone gravel, on cliffs, and on rocky outcrops (2,7).
Cultivation Notes:
Agave lophantha is a desert-adapted plant; it thrives in heat, while also being able to survive temperatures as low as 11° F (1,2). It is cold hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 8 (2). It prefers to grow in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade in exceptionally warm climates (1). Agave lophantha prefers a sandy, well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus mix, as this plant is susceptible to root rot when overwatered (1). It is important to only water when the soil has dried out completely; too much moisture can spell demise for this agave (1,2). This plant can be propagated by seed or by division of ‘pups’ (1,4). Agave lophantha is an excellent choice for desert gardens and xeriscaping, where low water use plants are preferred.
Ethnobotany:
While many species of Agave are cultivated for consumption, and in the creation of fibers and dyes, this species is chiefly cultivated for its beauty, as an ornamental addition to the landscape. Cultivars such as ‘Quadricolor’ and ‘Splendida’ have been created with variegated or striped leaf patterns, among other subtle differences that increase this plants value as an ornamental (1,3,4). ‘Quadricolor’ is a winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (8).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Green
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
