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Desert Agave

Agave desertii

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Desert Agave

In stock

2'x6'

Sizes:

Desert Agave – Agave deserti
Also known as: Mescal Agave

Desert Agave is a hardy, slow-growing succulent native to the hot, dry, low-elevation regions of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, thriving on rocky slopes, canyon walls, and desert washes. It typically grows in a rosette of thick, blue-green leaves, each up to 27 inches long and about 3 inches wide at the base. These leaves are edged with pronounced, dark-tipped teeth and end in a sharp spine. A unique imprinting along each leaf's underside—left by the neighboring leaf during development—is a distinctive feature of many agave species.

After 8–20 years, mature plants send up an impressive 6–9 foot flowering stalk bearing dense clusters of pale yellow tubular flowers. Like most agaves, the plant is monocarpic, dying after blooming, but often producing offsets or "pups" from the base.

This species prefers full sun, reflected heat, and very well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. It is cold hardy down to 5°F, making it well suited to desert gardens and restoration plantings. Desert Agave pairs beautifully with boulders and other low-water succulents in habitat or ornamental landscapes.

Beyond its ornamental value, Desert Agave has significant ethnobotanical importance. The Coahuilan Indians of Southern California referred to it as “a-mul.” Various plant parts were cooked and used for food, drink, soap, fibers, needles, paper, glue, weapons, medicine, and dyes. The yellow blossoms (called amul-sal-em) were also harvested.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: California Giant Skipper (Agathymus stephensi)
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist desert pollinators including native bees and wasps; reported occasional nectar source for Monarch (Danaus plexippus) in dry years and late seasons when other blooms are scarce.
Bird Resources: Shelter; Nest Material
Bird Species: Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

2'x6'

Growth rate:

Moderate - Slow

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

5 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.