Agave colorata Gentry
Mescal ceniza, Colored agave
Agave colorata is a compact, slow-growing species native to the volcanic coastal slopes of northwest Sonora and northern Sinaloa, Mexico. It is regarded as one of the most elegant ornamental agaves in the genus: its blue-grey leaves with reddish-brown marginal teeth and dark crossbanding give it an exceptional sculptural appearance. Widely cultivated in xerophytic gardens worldwide. Produces a spectacular spike inflorescence up to 5 m tall at the end of its life cycle.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Compact acaulescent rosette, monocarpic; produces few offsets around the mother plant |
| Conservation Status | Not Evaluated (NE) globally — IUCN; endemic to a restricted range in Sonora; at risk from coastal habitat loss |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Volcanic soils, lithosols, rocky Sonoran coastal substrates |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Leaves 40–60 cm long and up to 18 cm wide, blue-grey with rough texture, erect, undulating margins with reddish-brown teeth 5–10 mm long and a terminal spine 3–4 cm long. They show characteristic dark crossbanding from leaf impressions during development.
ecoDense spike inflorescence 4–5 m tall; yellow and reddish flowers in compact umbels. The plant dies after flowering, a process that occurs after 10–20 years.
ecoVery short or absent stem; the rosette emerges directly at ground level. The piña is dense and fibrous, rich in fructooligosaccharides.
ecoShallow and extensive root system adapted to stony volcanic soils with low moisture retention. Roots extend horizontally up to 2 m from the rosette.
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Volcanic soils, lithosols, rocky Sonoran coastal substrates
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
U
P
Every 4–5 years; tolerates being slightly root-bound
Fertilize once in spring with cactus fertilizer diluted to one-quarter of the recommended dose
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Mildly irritating sap; terminal spines and marginal teeth pose physical hazard. No systemic toxins documented.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Root rot (Fusarium spp.) — favored by poorly drained substrate or overwatering
Mealybug (Dactylopius spp.) — attacks leaf bases and the heart
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — larvae destroy the heart; hard to detect until the plant collapses
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The dark crossbands on the leaves — resulting from bud-print impressions during development — are unique to A. colorata and constitute its most striking feature. Specimens in full sun develop intense blue-grey coloration; in shade, the color is completely lost. It is one of the most prized agaves in the collector succulent market."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟡 MediumVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.