Native Plants
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Agave shawii
Agave shawii Engelm.
Coastal Agave, Boundary Century Plant, Shaw's Century Plant
Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: AGSH
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The spiny trunks of this clumped plant may be 4-12 in. long and tend to creep along the ground, branching from the base. A rosette of succulent, 1-2 ft., glossy green, lance-shaped leaves subtends the 3-12 ft. flowering stem which appears after 8-20 years. The tubular flowers are greenish-yellow and occur in a dense, terminal panicle. Leaves bear red, hooked prickles and a terminal spine.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Rosette of leaves up to about 2 feet tall. Flower scape up to about 12 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: S. CA & Baja CA
Native Habitat: Dry, coastal bluffs & slopes
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Propagation
Description: Sow seed.Seed Treatment: No treatment.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1988 VOL. 5, NO.5 - Penny Campaign Grows Oklahoma Wildflowers, Wildflower Center Collects Honors, Di...Additional resources
USDA: Find Agave shawii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Agave shawii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Agave shawii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-11-01Research By: TWC Staff