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Native Plant Database

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Agave shawii (Coastal agave)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Agave shawii Engelm.

Coastal agave, Boundary century plant, Shaw's century plant

Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)

USDA Symbol: agsh

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The spiny trunks of this clumped plant may be 4-12 in. long and tend to creep along the ground, branching from the base. A rosette of succulent, 1-2 ft., glossy green, lance-shaped leaves subtends the 3-8 ft. flowering stem which appears after 8-20 years. The tubular flowers are greenish-yellow and occur in a dense, terminal panicle. Leaves bear red, hooked prickles and a terminal spine.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: CA
Native Distribution: S. CA & Baja CA
Native Habitat: Dry, coastal bluffs & slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Sow seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Bibliography

Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1988 VOL. 5, NO.5 - Penny Campaign Grows Oklahoma Wildflowers, Wildflower Center Collects Honors, Di...

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Agave shawii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Agave shawii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Agave shawii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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