How to identify Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)

How to identify Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)

Whale's Tongue Agave is a solitary succulent that develops into a rounded rosette shape, reaching sizes of 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm) in height and 3 to 7 feet (90 to 210 cm) in width. Its leaves are distinctive with a short, broad, and grayish appearance, cupped in nature, and featuring small teeth along the margins with a dark gray terminal spine approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. This plant has a significant characteristic of forming a tall flower spike up to 10-14 feet (3 to 4.3 meters) when in bloom, with greenish-yellow flowers adorning it. The leaves' egg-shaped form is critical for identification, being sturdy and tolerant, yet capable of larger growth when regularly irrigated.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Whale's Tongue Agave

Distinctive egg-shaped leaves with short, grayish appearance and teeth along margins.

Dark gray terminal spine approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) long on each leaf.

Forms a rounded rosette shape when mature, reaching 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm) in height.

Tall flower spike up to 10-14 feet (3 to 4.3 meters) when in bloom with greenish-yellow flowers.

Capacity for larger growth when regularly irrigated, tolerant and sturdy nature.

Whale's Tongue Agave and Their Similar Plants

Century plant vs. Whale's Tongue 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.

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

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.

Butterfly agave vs. Whale's Tongue 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.

Parry's Agave vs. Whale's Tongue 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.

Tuberose vs. Whale's Tongue 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.

False aloe vs. Whale's Tongue 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.

Thread agave vs. Whale's Tongue 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.

Miniature agave vs. Whale's Tongue 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 Whale's Tongue Agave

Attributes of Whale's Tongue Agave

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Height

90 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Gray

Silver

Flower Size

2 cm to 4 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Stem Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Blue

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Whale's Tongue Agave

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)

Learn More About the Whale's Tongue Agave

Distribution Map of Whale's Tongue Agave

Whale's Tongue Agave is a plant native to the mountainous regions of North America. While it originates from a specific area within this continent, whale's Tongue Agave has expanded its presence through cultivation in various temperate zones worldwide, thriving in regions with similar climates to its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Whale's Tongue Agave

A Comprehensive Guide to Whale's Tongue Agave How to Grow and Care for Whale's Tongue Agave