Agave gentryi B.Ullrich
Gentry's Agave
Agave gentryi is a high-altitude agave native to the ranges of northeastern Mexico, especially the Sierra Madre Oriental in Nuevo León, Tamaulipas and Coahuila, where it grows between 1,200 and 2,600 m a.s.l. Described by B. Ullrich in honour of the explorer and agavologist Howard Scott Gentry, it is distinguished by its remarkable cold hardiness, withstanding severe frosts common in its montane habitat. It forms medium to large rosettes with green to blue-green leaves, and is valued both in horticulture as a hardy ornamental and in landscaping in cold climates where few agaves survive.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Medium to large rosette, acaulescent or short-stemmed, monocarpic. Diameter 80–150 cm. Produces basal offsets with relative frequency. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) – IUCN. Populations in the Sierra Madre Oriental are generally stable. |
| pH Target | 6.5–7.5 |
| Type | Rocky or stony, well-drained, with somewhat more organic matter than other agaves |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate to oblanceolate, 60–100 cm long and 8–14 cm wide, green to blue-green. Margin with robust brown corneous teeth, spaced 2–4 cm apart, and a solid terminal spine 3–6 cm long. The waxy cuticle gives it a pruinose appearance.
ecoYellowish-green to yellow, 7–9 cm, clustered in panicles on a scape 5–8 m tall. Flowers once at the end of its life (15–25 years). Pollinated by bats and hummingbirds.
ecoAcaulescent or with a very short stem. The central piña has moderate carbohydrate content. In its high-altitude habitat, the life cycle can extend to 30 years before flowering.
ecoRelatively deep root system compared to other agaves, adapted to the rocky soils of the Sierra Madre Oriental. Provides solid anchoring on steep slopes and access to rock layers with residual moisture.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky or stony, well-drained, with somewhat more organic matter than other agaves
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
I
U
Every 4–5 years in containers; much better planted directly in the ground.
One light annual fertilization with slow-release fertilizer (5-10-10) in spring is sufficient.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Low. Terminal spines are physically hazardous. Sap contains saponins at low concentration.
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Plant Health
Root rot in wet winter (Phytophthora spp.)
Mealybugs (Pseudococcus spp.)
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus)
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"One of the most valuable acquisitions for cold-climate gardens. Its tolerance to −15 °C makes it a unique candidate for areas where other agaves cannot survive. Named after Howard Scott Gentry (1903–1993), the foremost Agave expert of the 20th century and author of 'Agaves of Continental North America' (1982)."
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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.