Agave schottii Engelm.
Shin Dagger
Agave schottii is a small, graceful species native to southeastern Arizona, northwestern Sonora and Chihuahua (Mexico). It forms dense colonies of compact rosettes with very slender, dark-green linear leaves, finely serrated margins, and a flexible terminal spine. It inhabits oak-pine grasslands, desert scrublands, and rocky slopes between 1,000 and 2,200 m a.s.l. Unlike most agaves, its leaves are notably thin and pliable, hence the common name 'shin dagger.' It is monocarpic, flowering once before dying, but produces abundant offsets that perpetuate the colony.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Very compact, colonial acaulescent rosette. Slender linear leaves 25–50 cm long and only 0.8–1.5 cm wide form dense clumps that colonize large areas via rhizomatous offsets. Single flowering event in spring-summer with a scape 2–4 m tall. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) globally. Populations are locally abundant in protected areas of the southwestern US. Not listed under Mexico's NOM-059-SEMARNAT, though Mexican populations are less studied. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Sandy loam to sandy, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear to narrowly lanceolate, 25–50 cm long and 0.8–1.5 cm wide, rigid but less pungent than most agaves. Margins with fine, corneous, grey-brown teeth; terminal spine 1–2 cm. Dark green to greyish green; moderately thick cuticle.
ecoDense spike inflorescence 2–4 m tall. Greenish-yellow to yellow tubular flowers 3.5–5 cm long, clustered on small branches. Pollinated mainly by nectar-feeding bats (Leptonycteris) and nocturnal hawkmoths.
ecoAcaulescent or with a very short stem up to 10 cm, nearly invisible at ground level. The basal tissue is fibrous and accumulates carbohydrate and water reserves to support flowering. Produces short rhizomes that give rise to offsets.
ecoShallow but extensive fibrous root system extending up to 1.5 m from the rosette center. Superficial rhizomes enable clonal propagation. Tolerates rocky and stony soils of volcanic or calcareous origin.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy loam to sandy, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
P
T
Every 4–6 years or when offsets fill the container
Optional fertilization: apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) once in spring
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
The terminal spines and marginal teeth can cause painful puncture wounds. Sap may irritate sensitive skin. No records of significant systemic toxicity in humans or animals.
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Plant Health
Root rot caused by Phytophthora in poorly drained soils with overwatering
Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) at leaf bases; treat with neem oil
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus): adults bore into the stem causing rosette collapse
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"Agave schottii is one of the few Agave species that forms dense colonies via rhizomes, making it exceptionally useful for slope stabilization in arid gardens. Its slender leaves easily distinguish it from other small agaves in the Southwest. Exercise caution when planting near pedestrian paths because of the spines, although they are less dangerous than in other species of the genus."
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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.