Fauna
Plant

Blue Agave

Agave tequilana

Also known as Tequila Agave, Weber Blue Agave, Mezcal Azul

Blue Agave is a striking succulent characterized by rigid, sword-shaped leaves with a powdery blue-gray patina and sharp terminal spines. After growing for seven to twelve years, a single towering flower stalk shoots up from the rosette, attracting nectar-feeding bats during night blooms. Because the plant dies after flowering, it relies on basal offset shoots to continue its local lineage.

SucculentAridDrought-Tolerant
Blue Agave reference1 / 3
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Agave Weevil
  • Cattle
  • Rodents
ThreatsMonoculture pest vulnerability, habitat conversion, climate extremes
HabitatsArid scrublands, semi-desert volcanic slopes, cultivated fields
Life span7–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderAsparagales
  2. FamilyAsparagaceae
  3. GenusAgave
  4. SpeciesAgave tequilana
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Raw sap contains caustic oxalate crystals that cause painful skin rash; handle with care.
Why it is dangerous
Raw sap contains microscopic calcium oxalate raphides and saponins that trigger painful skin irritation, redness, and swelling on contact.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by thick, blue-gray leaves armed with dark margin teeth and a stiff terminal spine.
What to do
Avoid cutting leaves without protective gear; wash skin immediately with soap and water if exposed to raw sap.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning Safety: Wear thick gloves and eye protection when cutting foliage to avoid irritation from raw sap.
  • Bat Watching: Observe mature blooming stalks at dusk to spot visiting nectar bats.
  • Cultivation Need: Plant in full sun and fast-draining gritty soil to prevent root rot.
Related species
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain Pro

Desert Sands

Blue Agave is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

Unlock to track progress

Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…