Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
narrow leaf agave
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Agave vivipara
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The narrow leaf agave is light green to gray-green in color, and has a lanceolate shaped leaf, meaning that it has a narrow oval shape that tapers off. The leaves are concave, rigid, and have small dark brown spikes. The leaves can be between one to four inches wide, and two to four inches long. They are a winter evergreen and an accent in landscaping.
Compound:
Aga viv
Geographic Origin:
Central America, Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
A. vivipara is native to the Sonora desert of Mexico.
Cultivation Notes:
This species of agave has much narrower leaves than its other family members. It isn't particularly attractive to look at and can be many different sizes and functionalities. This plant also sets off numerous offshoots. It is a transition plant in xeriscape zones and thrives in an arid environment.
Ethnobotany:
This plant is valued in landscaping for perennial planting, container, and formal borders. A. vivipara is known for the alcoholic drink "bacanora" which is made from this species of agave. Unfortunately, this alcoholic drink has lead to the over exploitation of these agaves in the wild.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Winter
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1. Turner, Raymond M, et al.
Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas. University of Arizona Press, 1995.
