How to identify Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)

How to identify Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)

Parry's Agave, also known as Mescal Agave

Parry's Agave distinguishes itself with a dense, rosette formation of short, stout, gray leaves, each highlighted by a prominent brown terminal spine. Mature individuals typically reach heights of 18 inches to 2 feet (45 to 60 cm) and widths of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). The plant blooms a striking flower spike ranging from 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall, adorned with lemon yellow flowers that exhibit a subtle pink tinge, predominantly blooming in the summer. This succulent thrives in full sunlight and requires minimal irrigation, while retaining its foliage year-round in suitable climates.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent, Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Parry's Agave

Rosette formation of stout, gray leaves with prominent brown spines.

Lemon yellow flowers with a subtle pink tinge on a 10-20 feet tall spike.

Ovate-oblong fruit capsules, 1-2 inches in length with black, glossy seeds.

Semi-succulent leaves up to 2 feet long, gray-green with toothed edges and sharp spines.

Unique flowering event once every 10-15 years culminating in plant death.

Detailed Traits of Parry's Agave

Leaf Features

The leaves of parry's Agave form a basal rosette, reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) in length. They are semi-succulent, presenting a thick, firm texture with a gray-green to blue-gray coloration. Each leaf features toothed edges and terminates in a dark, sharp spine. The leaves are arranged in a tight whorl, enhancing their architectural appearance. Their significant thickness and toothed margins, along with the distinct spine, are key identifiers.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of parry's Agave are creamy yellow to green and bloom on an impressive stalk that can reach between 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.5 meters) in height. The blooms typically feature numerous small flowers densely packed together. The petals are arranged in a whorl around the central stalk, giving the inflorescence a striking appearance. These flowers have a subtle scent and appear once every 10-15 years, following which the plant dies.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of parry's Agave is a capsule that matures to a dry state. Typically ovate to oblong, the fruits measure about 1-2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in length. When ripe, they exhibit a tan to dark brown hue, sometimes with a woody texture. Enclosed within are black, glossy seeds that are flattened and round, about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. These seed pods emerge after the rare flowering event, which may only occur once in the plant's lifetime. The fruits are often borne in clusters at the top of the tall flowering stalk.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Parry's Agave and Their Similar Plants

Century plant vs. Parry's 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. Parry's 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. Parry's 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.

Tuberose vs. Parry's 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. Parry's 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. Parry's 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.

Whale's Tongue Agave vs. Parry's 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.

Miniature agave vs. Parry's 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 Parry's Agave

Attributes of Parry's Agave

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Gray

Silver

Green

Blue

Flower Size

4.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Stem Color

Gray

Silver

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Parry's Agave

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi)

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Distribution Map of Parry's Agave

Parry's Agave is primarily indigenous to the high-altitude regions of the North American continent. It has also been introduced and cultivated in various other parts of the world, thriving in semi-arid to arid climates, particularly in areas that mimic its native mountainous and desert habitats.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Parry's Agave

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