Plant
Foxtail Agave
Agave attenuataAlso known as Swan's Neck Agave, Lion's Tail Agave, Soft-leaf Agave
Foxtail Agave forms striking rosettes of soft, pliable, pale green leaves that lack the formidable spines typical of other agaves. After a decade or more of growth, a single massive flower stalk arches gracefully toward the ground, bearing dense clusters of yellowish flowers reminiscent of a fox's tail. Once flowering completes, the main plant dies, leaving behind numerous small offsets around its base to continue the cycle.
SucculentFloweringDrought-Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil Minerals
Predators
- Agave Snout Weevil
- Snails
- Slugs
ThreatsHabitat loss in native range, extreme freezing temperatures, agave snout weevil
HabitatsRocky cliffs, arid slopes, oak-pine forests, cultivated gardens
Life span10–25 years (monocarpic)
Classification
- OrderAsparagales
- FamilyAsparagaceae
- GenusAgave
- SpeciesAgave attenuata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Plant sap contains oxalates that can cause skin irritation; wear gloves when trimming.
- Why it is dangerous
- Sap contains saponins and microscopic calcium oxalate crystals that cause skin burning and contact dermatitis upon skin exposure.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for smooth, spineless, pale lime-green leaves arranged in a dense rosette above a thick woody stem.
- What to do
- Wear gloves and eye protection when cutting leaves, and immediately wash any skin contact with soap and water.
Responsible observation
- Pruning Care: Wear protective gloves and long sleeves when trimming lower leaves to avoid sap contact.
- Sunlight Needs: Position in full sun to partial shade for optimal foliage color and rosette density.
- Propagation Technique: Separate and replant the abundant offsets that appear around the base after flowering.
Close Relative "Closeup of Century Plant (Agave)" by Coconino NF Photography is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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