Agave weberi

Accession Count: 120
Common Name: Weber's agave
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Family Name: Asparagaceae
Botanical Name: Agave weberi
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Agave franceschiana
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: The Agave weberi is an accent evergreen with grey-green to shiny green leaves about five to seven inches wide and three-and-a-half to five inches long. In addition to this, its upper leaf margin is toothless.
Compound: Aga web
Geographic Origin: Mexico, Southwest U.S.
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The A. weberi commonly known as Weber's Agave, originated in Northeastern Mexico and was then introduced to the United States through Texas. This plant was first identified in Tamaulipas, Mexico in 1902 (1). While that first collector is unknown, Mahinda Martinez recollected this species in 1986 (1).  Today the Weber's Agave is distributed through Southern Texas and Northeaster and Central Mexico (1,2).  The plant species is not widely populated and known primarily from cultivation.
Cultivation Notes:
Agave weberi is a large and dominating species, that is usually appropriate for large landscapes with full sun. Its leaves are smooth-edged with pointed tips, which makes the species not ideal near walks and patios. The full effect of this species is ideal when silhouetted on walls or buildings. The seeds of the Agave weberi should be collected and dispersed once the pods are dry (2,3). Though very drought tolerant this plant requires specific soil pH in order to reach full maturity, generally from 6.1 (mildly acidic) to 8.5 (mildly alkaline).Young A. weberi can be grown in a container for several years, however, the species needs full sun to ensure growth. It must be noted, however, that excessive heat or light can cause leaf damage, especially in the summer, causing the leaves to yellow (3,4). The plant also requires well-drained soil though little watering is needed, and when irrigated the species abundantly suckers (4). The species is also hardy at 12 ℉.
Ethnobotany: For thousands of years this species of Agave has been used for food, sweetener and as an ingredient in beverages (3,5).  The Aztecs used the nectar of the plant as a flavor booster for food and drinks, and the plant fiber as thread and writing materials (5).   Weber's Agave has been used to make pens, nails, needles, string and is currently used in the production of fine tequila (5).  

Height: 0 - 5 feet
Width: 6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Summer
Color: Yellow
Function: Patio
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Semi-hardy
Water Use: Low water Use

Citations:

1. Map of Agave <g data-gr-id="61">Weberi</g>. Retrieved on 8 December 2013.

2. PlantFlies: Agave. Retrieved on 9 December 2013.

3. Agave <g data-gr-id="102">Weberi</g>. Retrieved on 8 December 2013.

4. Agave <g data-gr-id="143">Weberi</g>. Retrieved on 7 December 2013.

5. Agave. Retrieved on 7 December 2013.

6. Irish, Gary, and Mary F Irish. Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener's Guide. 1st ed., Timber Press Incorporated, 2000.

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Agave weberi