Scientific Name
Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck
Common Name(s)
Fox Tail Agave, Fox Tail, Lion's Tail, Swan's Neck, Gooseneck Succulent, Elephant's Trunk, Spineless Century Plant, Soft Leaved Agave, Dragon Tree Agave
Synonym(s)
Agave cernua, Agave glaucescens, Agave pruinosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Origin
Agave attenuat is native to Mexico.
Flower
Color: Greenish-yellow
Bloom Time: Summer
Description
Agave attenuata is a succulent perennial that forms rosettes of broad pale green leaves. The rosettes grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and 4 feet (1.2 m) in diameter. Leaves are pliable, ovate-acuminate, up to 28 inches (70 cm) long, and up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
The inflorescence is a dense, up to 10 feet (3 m) tall raceme with greenish-yellow flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Gardeners can plant Fox Tail Agave directly in the ground or a container. Pots and planters are easy to move around gardens that have changing light conditions. When planting the Agave in the ground, homeowners should choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight.
Gardeners should make a hole about the same depth as the container the Fox Tail Agave originally came in. This keeps from shocking the plant. Once it is in the ground, gardeners should pat fill dirt lightly around the plant and water it well. The same rules apply to containers or ground plots.
Fox Tail Agave is a sturdy plant that tolerates both under and over-watering well. For optimal growth, Fox Tail Agave needs a thorough watering once a week during warm weather, particularly if it receives full sunlight.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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