Common Name:
Weber's agave
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Agave weberi
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
An evergreen, stemless succulent which forms rosettes reaching 1.8-3 m (5.9-9.8 ft) in diameter (1, 2). It commonly suckers but does not have a caespitose habit (ie it does not form dense clonal clusters) (2). Leaves are 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) wide by 0.7-1.6 m (2.3-5.2 ft) long, erect or curving, ascending-spreading, green or grayish-green, not banded, and lanceolate-oblong in shape (1, 2). Leaf apex is acuminate (tapering to a slender point), broadly concave above, while leaf margins can be grooved on the sides, pliable, glabrous, and somewhat glaucous (1, 2). The apical spine is 5 mm (0.2 in) wide, 40-50 mm (1.6-2 in) long, conical, straight, brown to grayish-black, grooved above; margin straight, finely fibrous, typically entire or with a few rudimentary teeth near the base or appearing on juvenile plants (1, 2). The inflorescence is 5-8 m (16.4-26.2 ft) high, paniculate, sometimes bulbiferous (bearing bulbil clones); lateral branches 15-25, horizontal to slightly ascending, longer than 10 cm (3.9 in) (1, 2). Flowers cluster in groups of 12-27, with each flower being 7-8 cm (2.8-3.2 in) long, and having a yellow perianth yellow (2). Fruit is a dry capsule, on a short-pedicel, 5.5 cm (2.2 in), oblong, and beaked at the apex (2). Seeds are flat, black disks (5).
Compound:
Aga web
Geographic Origin:
Mexico, Southwest U.S.
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Natural History: This agave is native to northeastern Mexico, in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosi (1, 3). It has also been naturalized in southern Texas, Florida, and the Northern Provinces area of South Africa (2, 3). In the wild, it grows well in sandy grass and shrublands between 100-300 m (325-985 ft) (2). The plant blooms and then dies when it reaches maturity, which can be at 10-15 years or older (4). The genus Agave comes from Linnaeus, who named it in 1753 for the Greek word ‘agaue’ meaning “noble” or “splendid” (6). While that first collector is unknown, Mahinda Martinez recollected this species in 1986 (8).
Cultivation Notes:
An easy plant to propagate, Weber’s agave is available widely in cultivation. The plant often produces basal suckers, which can be removed and grown into full size plants in well-draining potting or native soils (5). The same holds true for bulbils plucked from an inflorescence. If basal suckers or bulbils are used, it is best to allow them to dry for a few days (up to two weeks) before planting them in slightly moistened soil (5). Bulbils will need to be allowed to develop roots before regular watering can occur. For rooted suckers, once planted, they can be watered thoroughly once the soil is dry (5). Weber’s agave is drought and heat tolerant, but in highly arid environments or areas of intense reflected heat it benefits from both supplemental watering and early afternoon shade (4, 5). This species thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, making it quite cold hardy in Arizona’s low desert (4, 5, 6).
Ethnobotany:
One of many agaves traditionally used to make the alcoholic mezcal and pulque beverages (2, 5). Its roots may have been used to make soap, as with many agave and yucca species, as well as being used as a food source by being baked in underground ovens for several days (7). It has been well loved for its tropical appearance and ease of growing, leading to its introduction and naturalization in many areas (5). Additionally, it has been a favorite in cultivation, leading to several beautiful clone types, such as “Reiner’s Selection,” and, “Arizona Star” (5, 6).
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
