How to identify Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum)

How to identify Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum)

Butterfly agave is recognized by its distinctive broad gray leaves, forming an open and symmetrical rosette around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) tall and 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) wide. The leaves, measuring 10 to 18 inches (25 to 45 cm) in length, curve slightly backward near their tips and boast chestnut brown spines along the edges, with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) long slightly wavy terminal spine. The leaf marginal spines rest on noticeable tubercle-like protrusions. Mature specimens produce a lofty flower spike, 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) tall, with light green flowers tinged with red.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Butterfly agave

Broad gray leaves in a symmetrical rosette, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) wide.

Chestnut brown spines along leaf edges, with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) long wavy terminal spine.

Leaf marginal spines on tubercle-like protrusions, giving a distinct appearance.

Thick, fleshy leaves with a greyish green color and cream-colored margin, 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) long.

Undulating edge with triangular spines in colors from greenish yellow to dark red, firm and waxy texture.

Detailed Traits of Butterfly agave

Leaf Features

The leaves of butterfly agave are thick and fleshy, exhibiting a greyish green color with a distinctive cream-colored margin. They have an undulating edge lined with triangular spines that range in color from greenish yellow to dark red. Typically, the leaves are broad and paddle-shaped, measuring about 12–20 inches (30–50 cm) in length. The texture is firm and slightly waxy, offering a robust and hardy appearance, with well-defined venation that is minimal on the surface.

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Butterfly agave and Their Similar Plants

Century plant vs. Butterfly 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. Butterfly 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.

Parry's Agave vs. Butterfly 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. Butterfly 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. Butterfly 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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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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Key Facts About Butterfly agave

Attributes of Butterfly agave

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent

Plant Height

25 cm

Spread

40 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Silver

Flower Size

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Stem Color

Green

Gray

Silver

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Butterfly agave

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum)

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Distribution Map of Butterfly agave

Butterfly agave is endemic to semi-arid highlands in the central part of the North American continent. Beyond its natural range, butterfly agave has expanded through cultivation to various arid and semi-arid regions globally, finding a niche particularly in subtropical and warm temperate areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Butterfly agave

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