How to identify Shaw's agave (Agave shawii)

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Shaw's agave

How to identify Shaw's agave (Agave shawii)

Shaw's agave is a medium-sized, clump-forming succulent with upright rosettes reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) and widths of up to 2 feet (60 cm). This perennial bears dark gray-green leaves that measure 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) long, featuring large, curved reddish spines along the edges, and a dark terminal spine. Mature rosettes, after about 20 years, produce tall inflorescences of 6 to 14 feet (1.8 to 4.3 meters) with reddish branches and yellow flowers, attracting nectar-feeding birds and bees. The plant's foliage takes on an orange hue before it fades as the flowering cycle concludes.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Shaw's agave

1

Upright rosettes, 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, with dark gray-green leaves bearing large, curved reddish spines.

2

Mature rosettes produce 6-14 feet (1.8-4.3 meters) tall inflorescences with reddish branches and yellow flowers.

Shaw's agave

Shaw's agave

Shaw's agave

Shaw's agave

Shaw's agave

Shaw's agave and Their Similar Plants

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Century plant vs. Shaw'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.

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Foxtail agave vs. Shaw'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.

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Butterfly agave vs. Shaw'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.

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Parry's Agave vs. Shaw's 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. Shaw'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.

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False aloe vs. Shaw'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.

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Thread agave vs. Shaw'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.

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Whale's Tongue Agave vs. Shaw'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.

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Key Facts About Shaw's agave

Attributes of Shaw's agave

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Shaw's agave

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Order

Asparagus and allies

Family

Genus

Species

Shaw's agave (Agave shawii)

Learn More About the Shaw's agave

Learn More About the Shaw's agave

A Comprehensive Guide to Shaw's agave How to Grow and Care for Shaw's agave