Family: Asparagaceae
Author: Engelm.
Bibliography: Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 3: 314 (1875)
Year: 1875
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Agave
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. California to Mexico (Baja California)
Description
Coastal agave, scientifically known as Agave shawii, is a fascinating species belonging to the Asparagaceae family. This succulent plant boasts an impressive resilience, thriving in the coastal regions from Southern California down through Baja California in Mexico.
First documented in 1875 by the renowned botanist Engelm. in the publication “Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis,” Agave shawii has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for its robust adaptability to harsh coastal conditions. Typically, the plant forms striking rosettes of fleshy, blue-green leaves armed with sharp spines along the edges and tips, serving as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores.
The coastal agave is more than just a visually striking plant; it plays a vital role in its native habitat. It provides food and shelter to various wildlife species and helps stabilize the soil in the often fragile coastal environment, reducing erosion. Additionally, its flowering structure, which grows spectacularly tall, is a significant food source for pollinators.
Interestingly, Agave shawii has evolved to exhibit a monocarpic life cycle, where the plant blooms once during its lifetime before setting seeds and subsequently dying. The inflorescence it produces can reach several feet in height, showcasing dense clusters of yellow-green flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including bats, birds, and insects.
The plant’s natural ecosystem ranges from rocky cliffs and sandy soils to scrublands and coastal deserts. This diverse habitat is a testament to its hardiness and adaptability, enduring both intense sunlight and salty, windy conditions prevalent along coastlines.
In cultivation, coastal agave is prized for its sculptural form and low-maintenance requirements. However, it requires well-draining soil and full sun to thrive, mimicking its natural habitat’s conditions. Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable garden designs, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity.
Overall, Agave shawii is not only an essential component of coastal biodiversity but also a beautiful and functional addition to cultivated landscapes, exemplifying the remarkable adaptability of coastal flora.
Common Names
Spa: maguey primavera
Eng: shaw’s agave, coastal agave
En: Coastal agave, Shaw’s agave
Zh: 猿田彥龍舌蘭
Cs: Agáve Shawova
Fi: Kalifornianagave, Kalifornianagaave
Es: Maguey primavera
Synonyms
Distribution
- California (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Jacques Fortin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 23, 2019 by kayla s (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 25, 2022 by baran (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Mar 7, 2016 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 7, 2016 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 5, 2014 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 20, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 1, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 22, 2021 by Mercado Adrian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2021 by bernard femiac (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Martinucci Gabriele (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 20, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2766475)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30181478-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agave shawii Engelm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb, Shrub