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Agave shawii

Accession Count: 3
Common Name: coastal agave
Family Name: Asparagaceae
Botanical Name: Agave shawii
Synonyms:
Family Synonyms: Agavaceae
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Agave shawii is a perennial succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy, lanceolate leaves (1), ascending, thick, and very rigid (2). Leaves radiate from the center of the agave, resulting in a neat and rounded shape (1). The glossy green rosettes are short trunked, branching from the roots, and individuals may consist of single or several interconnected rosettes (2). There are bent, upward-curving spines along the margins of each leaf that range in color from coral to gold, as well as a central spine (3, 1). Mature plants that are over 10 years old can bear a terminal panicle of tubular yellow-green flowers that can reach a height as great as 12 feet (4, 1). However, as A. shawii is monocarpic, plants will die after flowering.
Compound: Aga sha
Geographic Origin: Baja California
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Agave shawii was named by George Engelmann in 1875 (5), with the specific epithet shawii for Henry Shaw, the founder of the Missouri Botanical Garden (6). The species is threatened in its natural habitat and placed on the ICUN Red List of Threatened Plants (7). However, there have been no regulatory protections put in place in either the US or Mexico to protect this species. In addition, A. shawii is not included under the Endangered Species Act (2). Because of the lack of regulation in human interference, the resulting habitat loss has nearly caused A. shawii to disappear in the wild. Viable seed production in this species is very low, which, in addition to the long flowering time, results in a low rate of reproduction. As habitat loss continues to reduce the number of flowering adults, and the production of seed, the wild population of A. shawii will continue to decrease  (2).
Cultivation Notes: Optimal growth of Agave shawii occurs when provided with full sun and a low level of moisture, although partial shade may be necessary in hot inland climates (3). Ensure that soil is well draining, and do not water during the summer, to prevent damaging the agave (6). Agave shawii is seaside and salt tolerant, but requires soil to be mildly acidic to mildly alkaline for the best growth (8). 
The best method of propagation is through asexual cloning – Agave shawii can easily be propagated by transplanting offsets or by using leaf cuttings (2). Propagation is also possible through seed, but germination should be done in gelatin, agar, or other medium to ensure growth (8). Because flowering can take up to 30 years and is rare in the wild, as well as the low rate of viable seed produced in this species, it is recommended to use asexual clones for propagation (2, 6).
Ethnobotany: Agave species have been cultivated for centuries by the indigenous people of America and Mexico for fiber, food, and drink (2). There are historical accounts of A. shawii being baked as a source of food in Baja California, and it has been used extensively by the native Kumeyaay people for food, tools, and clothing (2, 9). The tough fibers were pulled from the leaves and used to make ropes, shoes, and cloth, while the large flower stalks were roasted and eaten (9). In other cases, Agave shawii has been used in trials as a crop for fiber production, due to its ease of propagation (2).
Height: 0 - 5 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Summer
Color: Yellow
Function: Patio
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Semi-hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:
1. Gardenia. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
2. Terra Peninsular. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
3. San Marcos Growers. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
4. Plant Database. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
5. Tropicos. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
6. Oregon State University. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
7. IUCN. (1997). IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants, Nature.
8. Dave’s Garden. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
9. EthnoHerbalist. Retrieved May 4th, 2020.
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Agave shawii