AGAVE SALMIANA

Botanical Name: Agave salmiana
Common Names: Maguey Pulquero, Giant Agave, Green Maguey
Mature Size: 6–10 feet (1.8–3 meters) in height, 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates rocky and poor soils
Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Broad, dark green leaves with large, recurved spines and a sharp terminal spine
Flowers: Impressive flowering stalk (up to 20–30 feet / 6–9 meters) with yellow blooms, produced once before the plant dies
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

• Ornamental Plant: Agave salmiana is known for its dramatic size and bold silhouette, making it a centerpiece in arid landscaping and large-scale xeriscapes.

• Xeriscaping: Highly suitable for water-wise gardening, thriving in hot, dry climates with minimal care.

• Pulque Production: Traditionally used in central Mexico for producing pulque, a fermented agave beverage.

Benefits:

• Drought Tolerance: An excellent choice for dry, harsh environments, requiring little supplemental water.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy and pest-resistant, requiring little intervention beyond the occasional removal of old leaves.

• Wildlife Attraction: Its towering flower stalks are a magnet for bats, hummingbirds, and pollinators.

• Architectural Impact: Offers lasting visual impact in landscape designs due to its large, sculptural form.

Agave salmiana is a robust and majestic agave species ideal for dramatic landscaping and traditional use. Its impressive size, drought resistance, and cultural value make it a prized plant in both naturalistic and ornamental settings.