Fairchild Botanic Garden

Family: Asparagaceae

Distribution: N. & W. Mexico

Life form: Cactus/succulent

Description: This Mexican species is called the “Octopus Agave” because of its beautifully twisting and arching leaves. A real showstopper in the landscape, it grows slowly to 4’ tall. After about ten years, it produces a magnificent inflorescence of bright yellow flowers. It will thrive in full sun with no supplemental irrigation or soil amendments. Be sure that the planting site drains well, and give it a small application of low nitrogen granular fertilizer before the onset of the summer rainy season.