AGAVE ANGUSTIFOLIA

Botanical Name: Agave angustifolia
Common Names: Espadín Agave, Narrow-leaf Agave
Mature Size: 3–5 feet (1–1.5 meters) in height, 3–4 feet (1–1.2 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates poor, rocky, and sandy substrates
Water Needs: Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Long, narrow, rigid gray-green leaves with sharp, spiny margins
Flowers: Tall flowering stalk (up to 15 feet / 5 meters) with yellow-green blooms, emerging once after several years
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant: Agave angustifolia is prized for its symmetrical, sculptural form, making it a standout in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and contemporary landscape designs.

Xeriscaping: Perfect for water-efficient gardens, it thrives in arid and semi-arid climates with minimal maintenance.

Agave Spirit Production: Widely cultivated in regions like Oaxaca for its key role in producing mezcal, especially the popular «espadín» variety.

Benefits:

Drought Resistance: This species excels in hot, dry environments and requires minimal irrigation once established.
Low Maintenance: Extremely resilient and pest-resistant, it needs little attention beyond the occasional removal of dried leaves.
Ecological Value: Its tall flowering stalks attract pollinators such as bats, bees, and hummingbirds.
Longevity and Structure: Provides long-term visual interest and structure to arid landscapes, retaining its form for many years.

Agave angustifolia is a hardy, elegant, and highly adaptable succulent that brings both ecological value and dramatic visual impact to any dry-climate garden. Its resilience and cultural significance in mezcal production add to its value as a functional and beautiful plant.