Family: Asparagaceae
Author: Engelm.
Bibliography: Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 3: 311 (1875)
Year: 1875
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Agave
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Arizona to Texas and N. & W. Mexico
Description
Parry’s agave, scientifically known as Agave parryi, is a robust and attractive succulent native to the southwestern regions of the United States, specifically southeastern Arizona, Texas, as well as northern and western Mexico. This species belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is notable for its striking appearance and resilience in harsh, arid environments.
Agave parryi showcases a stunning rosette form, with dense clusters of blue-gray leaves that are broad and often tipped with sharp spines. These spines serve as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores. Each leaf can grow up to 50 cm long and features marginal teeth that contribute to its distinctive and formidable look.
The plant is well-adapted to survive in dry conditions, thanks to its thick, fleshy leaves that store water. This adaptation makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, a landscaping method designed for minimal water use. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure to develop its best form and coloration.
One of the most captivating aspects of Parry’s agave is its flowering habit. Though the plant may take many years to bloom, the wait is often considered rewarding. When it does flower, Agave parryi produces a tall, dramatic stalk that can reach up to 3 meters in height. This inflorescence is adorned with numerous yellow to greenish-yellow flowers, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bats and insects. After the blooming period, the main plant typically dies, but not before producing several offsets or “pups” at its base. These young plants can be transplanted to propagate new growth.
The historical documentation of Parry’s agave dates back to 1875, as recorded in the Transactions of the Academy of Science of St. Louis. The species was formally described by the botanist Engelmann, whose work has contributed significantly to our understanding of numerous agave species.
In cultivation, Agave parryi is cherished for its ornamental value and low maintenance needs. Gardeners and plant enthusiasts often grow it in rock gardens, desert landscapes, and container gardens. It’s important to handle the plant with care, given its spiny leaves, and to provide ample room for growth due to its expansive rosette.
Overall, Parry’s agave is an exemplary species that showcases the ingenuity of desert flora, with its striking appearance, water-saving adaptations, and minimal requirements, making it a valuable addition to any sustainable garden.
Common Names
Spa: mezcal yapavai, mescal
Eng: parry’s agave
Swe: mescal-agave
En: Parry’s agave, Parry’s Century-plant, Parry agave, Artichoke agave
Ar: باهرة بارية
Ru: Агава Парра
Es: Mescal, Mezcal yapavai
Sv: Mescal-agave
Synonyms
- Agave applanata var. parryi ((Engelm.) Mulford)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Texas (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2013 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 6, 2021 by susan klug (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2019 by michael (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2020 by Jitendra Kumar Sahoo (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 9, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 9, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2010 by EOL − David Bygott (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Apr 4, 2014 by EOL − abr (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Albert P. Bekker (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2015 by EOL − Cristóbal Bienteli (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 10, 2013 by EOL − Kenneth Bader (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − Cedric Lee (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 6, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Lumbreras Lumbreras (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2766905)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:62172-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agave parryi Engelm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb, Subshrub, Shrub