Agave gracilipes Trel.
Slender-footed agave
Agave gracilipes is a monocarpic succulent native to the Chihuahuan Desert, distributed in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Durango as well as southern New Mexico and western Texas. It is distinguished by its relatively narrow, gray-green leaves and a slender, graceful flowering stalk that gives it its common name. It grows on rocky slopes and dry canyons at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 m, associated with yucca shrublands and mountain grasses.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Solitary rosette or with few basal offsets, 40–70 cm in diameter; leaves 30–55 cm long, narrow and rigid. Monocarpic: flowers once at 15–25 years of age and then dies, leaving basal pups. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) per IUCN. Populations are stable within its restricted range in the Chihuahuan Desert. |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Rocky-gravelly, very well-drained, nutrient-poor soil |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate to linear, 30–55 × 2–4 cm, gray-green with finely denticulate margins and a 2–3 cm chestnut terminal spine. The waxy cuticle reduces water loss.
ecoYellowish-green to yellow, 5–7 cm, grouped in an apical spike on a 3–4 m scape. The perianth tube is short and the tepals are nearly equal in length.
ecoVery short caulescent stem, almost invisible below the rosette. The floral scape is slender and erect, characteristically more gracile than in other species of the same habitat.
ecoShallow and extensive root system that maximizes rainfall capture in shallow rocky soils. Fibrous roots with occasional storage thickenings.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky-gravelly, very well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
E
E
Every 3–4 years or when roots fill the entire container.
Apply half-strength balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) once at the start of spring. No fertilization in late summer, autumn, or winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Low toxicity; sap may cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Terminal spines represent the main physical hazard.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Phytophthora spp.) — main cause of death in cultivation due to overwatering.
Mealybug (Pseudococcus spp.) — colonizes leaf bases; treat with isopropyl alcohol.
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — larvae bore into the central stem; damage is frequently lethal.
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"Species with a disjunct distribution on both sides of the Mexico–USA border in the Chihuahuan Desert. Its characteristically slender floral scape distinguishes it from A. lechuguilla and A. neomexicana in the same habitat. Populations on the US side are well-documented in NMNH herbaria."
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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.