Foxtail agave - Agave attenuata (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Foxtail agave

Also known as: Swan's neck, Dragon-tree agave

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Harvest Time

50 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

2.5 m to 3 m

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, White

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Yellow

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Foxtail agave

Distribution of Foxtail agave

Distribution Map

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

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Volcanic rock cliffs within pine forests, transitional zones of tropical dry and temperate forest types in mountain

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is a prized ornamental succulent that rewards gardeners with a cluster of spiked evergreen leaves and striking and peculiar flower stems. This plant commands attention wherever it is placed and makes for a good bedding and border conversation piece or container plant. Foxtail agave looks great in rock, succulent, city, or coastal gardens. Ornamental grasses and senecios pair well with this agave.

Symbolism

Tree of Life, Abundance, longevity

Interesting Facts

While foxtail agave is grown in gardens around the world and has escaped into the wild in various warm, dry climates, it is actually very rarely seen growing naturally in its original native range in Mexico. Botanist and geologist Henri Guillaume Galeotti first reported the species in 1834, and since then only small colonies have been sighted in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Michoacán, and México.

Name Story

Foxtail agave||Lion's tail agave||Swan's neck agave: Unlike many agave plants, it produces a beautiful lotus-shaped leaf, featured with silver-white and light green colors. Its name comes from the impressive pedicel, which emerges from the lotus bushes in summer. When it reaches 1.5 to 3 m, it deflects the ground and then wind up again like an animal's tail. So it's called Foxtail agave, lion's tail agave or swan's neck agave.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Foxtail agave, including the following common varieties :

Foxtail agave 'Ray of Light'Agave 'Blue Flame'

Toxicity

Foxtail agave poses mild toxicity to both cats and dogs. Consumption, particularly of the leaves and sap, can lead to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet ingests foxtail agave, seek immediate veterinary care.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Foxtail agave

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

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

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

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

Produces seed pods and numerous tiny offsets.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Foxtail agave

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Foxtail agave flourishes in arid habitats, requiring minimal water and infrequent watering every three weeks. Its drought tolerance and efficient water storage make foxtail agave an ideal choice for xeriscapes and gardens in low rainfall areas.

Fertilize: Foxtail agave thrives with a balanced fertilizer for succulents and cacti, applied monthly in spring and summer. Use one-quarter strength to prevent root burn, watering beforehand for better absorption. Reduced fertilization in fall and minimal in winter are sufficient due to foxtail agave's drought tolerance.

Pruning: As new leaves develop, lower leaves of foxtail agave will yellow and dry. Promptly removing these old leaves maintains aesthetic appeal. Additionally, trim leaves infected with pests or diseases to protect healthy foliage from infection.

Propagation: Foxtail agave, native to Mexico's plateaus, features distinctive swan-neck-like flower spikes. It propagates easily through cuttings; choose a healthy offshoot, allow the cut to callous, and consider rooting hormone. Ideal for novice gardeners, it enhances arid or xeriscape gardens with its sculptural form.

Repotting: Repot foxtail agave every 2 years in spring when it outgrows its pot. Use a container 2 inches larger. After repotting, place foxtail agave in bright, indirect light and refrain from watering for a week to allow root establishment and promote healthy growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free