How to identify Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata)

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Foxtail agave

How to identify Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata)

Foxtail agave, also known as Swan's neck, Dragon-tree agave

Foxtail agave is a distinctive, spineless agave featuring a stout, curving stem approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall, topped by a rosette of pliable, wide, pale green leaves that can span up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) across. The leaves arch gracefully from a central point, giving the appearance of a large, open, green flower. When mature, foxtail agave produces a dramatic 5 to 10 foot (1.5 to 3 meters) tall flower stalk, which bends toward the ground then curves back up, resembling a fox's tail. The flowers are a delicate greenish-yellow, later producing seed pods and numerous tiny offsets.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent, Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Foxtail agave

1

Stout, curving stem reaching 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height.

2

Rosette of pliable, wide, pale green leaves spanning up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) across.

3

Leaves arch gracefully from a central point, resembling an open green flower.

4

Dramatic flower stalk reaching 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) with greenish-yellow flowers.

5

Produces seed pods and numerous tiny offsets.

Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave and Their Similar Plants

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Century plant vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.

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Butterfly agave vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum) is an evergreen perennial succulent that will grow to 61 cm tall. It forms a rosette with small, silvery-blue leaves. When the plant is about 10 years old it will produce a flower stalk that is 3 to 4.5 m tall with greenish-white flowers tinged with red. It thrives in full sun, hot conditions and well-drained soil.

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Parry's Agave vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) is a flowering succulent native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Parry's Agave is considered slow-growing compared to other succulent species. It is often cultivated for use in desert-style landscaping, planted as ground cover, and kept as a houseplant. Parry's Agave requires full sunlight and minimal water for optimal growth. In the wild, it grows in scrublands, woodlands, and grasslands.

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Tuberose vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

The tuberose has a long history of providing fragrance to the world. Used in perfumery since the 17th century, tuberose was a scent worn by French Queen Marie Antoinette, and has continued to be used widely for its distinctive, although extremely strong, scent.

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False aloe vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

False aloe (Agave virginica) is a succulent species native to the eastern United States and Mexico. The false aloe attracts sphinx moths, bees, and hummingbirds. Agave virginica is also known as the rattlesnake master or the Virginia agave.

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Thread agave vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

Thread agave (Agave filifera) is a flowering agave species indigenous to Mexico. Thread agave is valued in ornamental outdoor gardens where it can be grown in containers. This species grows optimally with minimal handling by gardeners.

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Whale's Tongue Agave vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia) is an evergreen succulent that is often cultivated in coastal gardens and succulent gardens for its rosette shape. Whale's Tongue Agave attracts hummingbirds. Caution should be exercised when planting this species near footpaths because its spikes can be dangerous to pets and children. Whale's Tongue Agave grows natively in northeastern Mexico in full sunlight and requires only small amounts of water.

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Miniature agave vs. Foxtail agave: What's The Difference?

Miniature agave (Agave pumila) is a slow-growing agave species of unknown origin. Miniature agave is valued as an ornamental species for its odd shape and is often grown as a houseplant or planted in rock gardens. This species is considered easy to grow and requires well-drained soil, like many similar succulents. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and grows best in the shade in the summer months.

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Key Facts About Foxtail agave

Attributes of Foxtail agave

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Plant Height

50 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Flower Size

2.5 m to 3 m

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

White

Fruit Color

Brown

Stem Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Yellow

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Foxtail agave

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Order

Asparagus and allies

Family

Genus

Species

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata)

Learn More About the Foxtail agave

Distribution Map of Foxtail agave

Foxtail agave is native to rocky slopes and cliffs in western Mexico. It was introduced into some countries in Europe.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Foxtail agave

A Comprehensive Guide to Foxtail agave How to Grow and Care for Foxtail agave