AGAVE bovicornuta

Agave bovicornuta, a strikingly attractive small to medium-sized agave, hails from the rocky slopes of western Mexico, specifically Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua. Thriving at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet, this solitary agave reaches heights of 2 ½ to 3 feet and spans 4 to 5 feet wide. Its open rosette showcases 24 to 30-inch long and 5 ½ to 6 ½-inch wide leaves that radiate a vibrant yellow-green to medium green color, broadest in the middle.

The leaves of Agave bovicornuta are distinctively adorned with large reddish teeth set on prominent teats, adding a dramatic flair to the plant’s appearance. Some teeth recurve back towards the base while others curve towards the leaf tip, which is capped with a short, stout terminal spine. Adding to its decorative appeal, the broad leaf surfaces feature crenulated bud imprints—impressions left by the margins of other leaves as they unfurl from the center of growth. The new leaves exhibit a satiny finish, enhancing their visual impact.

This agave typically matures after 12 years or more, culminating in a stunning display: a 16 to 23-foot tall branched inflorescence adorned with 2-inch long yellow and green flowers. Since Agave bovicornuta does not produce suckers, it will require replacement after flowering.

Ideal for planting in full sun to light shade—necessary in hotter, interior valleys and deserts—this agave thrives in well-drained soil and requires infrequent watering, though occasional irrigation can promote more rapid growth. Noted for its hardiness, it withstands temperatures down to about 20°F and is suitable for USDA zones 8-11.