Agave asperrima Jacobi
Rough agave
Agave asperrima, known as the rough agave or maguey cenizo, is a monocarpic succulent native to the Chihuahuan Desert, where it inhabits xerophytic scrublands between 1,000 and 2,400 m elevation. Its specific epithet 'asperrima' (Latin for 'very rough') refers to the rugose, papillose cuticle that gives the leaves a grayish or ash-like appearance. The plant lives 15–25 years in natural conditions before producing a single inflorescence up to 6 m tall, after which it dies, leaving basal offsets. It is among the most frost-hardy Agave species, tolerating temperatures down to -15 °C.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Acaulescent or subcaulescent rosette, solitary or with basal offsets; active growth in summer |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — IUCN; common throughout its natural range |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Rocky or gravelly mineral soil, very well-drained; tolerates alkaline soils |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate to linear-lanceolate leaves, 60–100 cm long and 8–14 cm wide at the base, gray-green to grayish-blue with a very rough, papillose surface. Margins bear reddish-brown corneous teeth spaced 1–3 cm apart; the terminal spine is conic, grooved, 3–6 cm, dark brown.
ecoInflorescence a panicle 4–6 m tall with lateral branches bearing yellow tubular flowers 6–8 cm long. Flowers appear in summer and are pollinated mainly by bats and nocturnal moths. The plant dies after fruiting.
ecoStem very short or nearly absent in young plants, elongating slightly with age to form a short woody caudex. During flowering, the floral scape emerges directly from the center of the rosette.
ecoFibrous and shallow root system, widely spread horizontally to maximize capture of sporadic rainfall. Develops thicker anchor roots in the rocky and gravelly substrates of the Chihuahuan Desert.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky or gravelly mineral soil, very well-drained; tolerates alkaline soils
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
Separate offsets when at least 10 cm in diameter; allow to callous 3–5 days before planting
Overwatering during winter — causes irreversible basal rot
Every 3–4 years or when roots completely fill the container
Minimal fertilization: one application of low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) at the start of spring. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers that soften plant tissues.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Leaves contain saponins and calcium oxalate; contact with sap may cause skin irritation. The terminal spine can inflict deep puncture wounds.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora, Fusarium) from waterlogging
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.) on offsets and leaf bases
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — bores into central stem
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"Agave asperrima is frequently confused with A. scabra, with which it was synonymized for years. Populations in northern Coahuila show greater variability in marginal tooth size, which has generated persistent taxonomic debate."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.