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Agave
multifilifera
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Description:
Agave multifilifera is a medium size plant, growing to
about 3 feet tall by 4-5 feet across. It generally grows as a
single rosette, but on occasion will have offsets. The
numerous, linear-lanceolate leaves are medium green, about
1½-2 feet long by ¾ inch wide, and adorned with beautiful
white markings and many, long, thin fibers along the margin.
The pink tinged, pale green flowers occur on a 15 foot tall
spike in early summer. As with all other Agave species,
the plant will die after it has flowered.
Habitat and Distribution: Agave multifilifera occurs
at high altitudes on pine and oak covered mountains and on
shaded slopes of canyons in Chihuahua, Sonora, Sinaloa, and
Durango Mexico. Plants are found on cliffs and rocky slopes
between 4,500 and 7,000 feet elevation.
Culture: Agave multifilifera is hardy to at least
15 degrees F. The growth rate is moderately slow with plants
attaining appreciable size within 5 or 10 years from seed.
Plants are low water using. When planted in the ground, they
require occasional supplemental water during the heat of late
spring and summer. As a container plant, Agave
multifilifera requires supplemental water only once or
twice weekly even during the heat of summer. Place in full sun
or filtered sunlight. The plants are tolerant of most soil
types as long as drainage is good. As a precaution, treat all
Agave species with a systemic insecticide to reduce the
possibility of Agave Weevil infestation.
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| Agave multifilifera in a cactus and succulent garden in southern AZ. | Agave multifilifera in habitat in western Chihuahua, Mexico. |
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