Agave bovicornuta Gentry
Cow-horn agave
Agave bovicornuta, commonly known as the cow-horn agave or maguey gato, is a monocarpic species native to the slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa, where it grows between 600 and 1,800 m elevation. Its specific epithet 'bovicornuta' (Latin: cow horns) directly alludes to its extraordinarily large and curved marginal teeth, one of the most distinctive features within the genus. The bright green leaves, with yellow reflections under high light conditions, form a compact and showy rosette highly prized in horticulture. The plant lives 15–25 years before producing its single floral panicle, which can reach 6–8 m in height.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Compact acaulescent rosette, solitary, rarely producing basal offsets; actively growing in summer |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — IUCN; locally abundant in the Sierra Madre Occidental |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Rocky-loamy to mineral, well-drained; tolerates some organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate to oblanceolate leaves, 50–80 cm long and 8–15 cm wide, bright green to yellow-green with chestnut-red corneous margins. Marginal teeth are extraordinarily large (1–2.5 cm), broad-based and curved alternately upward and downward, resembling cow horns — the species' diagnostic feature. Terminal spine 3–5 cm, stout and dark.
ecoInflorescence a panicle 6–8 m tall with yellow to yellow-green tubular flowers 6–8 cm long. Flowering occurs in summer and the plant dies after the capsular fruits mature.
ecoStem very short, essentially hidden under the lower leaves. The rosette remains acaulescent throughout its vegetative life. The solid floral scape emerges from the rosette center and grows rapidly during flowering.
ecoFibrous root system of moderate extent, adapted to the rocky and well-drained soils of the Sierra Madre. Develops anchor roots in steeply sloped substrates.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky-loamy to mineral, well-drained; tolerates some organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
Sow seeds in spring with bottom heat (25–28 °C) in sand and perlite mix
Watering in winter as if it were monsoon season
Every 2–3 years in young plants; every 4–5 years in adults
Fertilize once in spring with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 diluted to 50%). Do not fertilize in autumn or winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Marginal teeth are extremely sharp and curved, presenting a real physical hazard when handling the plant. Sap contains saponins and may irritate skin and mucous membranes.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Fusarium, Phytophthora) from winter waterlogging
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.) between leaf bases
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — primary threat in cultivation
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"Agave bovicornuta was described by Howard Scott Gentry, the foremost 20th-century Agave specialist, who highlighted the marginal teeth as the species' most singular morphological feature. In cultivation it is a moderately fast-growing plant producing especially decorative and eye-catching rosettes, which is why it is increasingly common in Mediterranean and subtropical climate gardens."
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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.