Agave schidigera Lem.
Rough agave
The rough agave is a species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Durango, where it inhabits ravines, rocky slopes and canyons at altitudes of 1,000–2,200 m. Its most striking feature is the long white fibrous filaments that naturally peel from the margin of each leaf, produced by the tearing of the epidermis during growth. These curved, shiny filaments give it a very ornamental appearance. Although superficially similar to Agave filifera (of more eastern distribution), A. schidigera has a distinct distribution in the Sierra Madre Occidental and morphological differences in leaf texture and width. Its leaves are rougher to the touch (hence the English name, rough agave). It is a species valued in collections and dry gardens for its elegant bearing and moderate cold resistance.
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 | Monocarpic rosette of medium size, slow to moderate growth. Produces basal offsets with some regularity, potentially forming small colonies. Flowers after 10–20 years and dies. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC). Populations in the Sierra Madre Occidental are locally abundant though fragmented by habitat loss. Extraction for the ornamental market represents growing pressure. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Volcanic-granite mountain soil, well-drained, moderately poor; Sierra Madre Occidental hillside soils |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, 40–70 cm long and 3–6 cm wide, rigid, dark green to greyish-green, with a rough surface texture. Margins with small teeth and white fibrous filaments 5–15 cm that peel off naturally. Terminal spine 2–4 cm, brown to reddish-brown.
ecoSpike inflorescence 3–5 m tall. Tubular flowers 5–7 cm, yellow to yellowish-green. Dense spike with numerous flowers clustered in the upper part of the peduncle. Pollinated by bats and hawkmoths.
ecoShort to nearly stemless, 10–30 cm in adult plants. The piña is compact and of moderate size. The basal leaves also mark the fibrous pattern on the stem.
ecoFibrous root system, moderately deep for an agave, adapted to the volcanic and granite soils of the Sierra Madre slopes. Lateral roots extend up to 2.5 m to capture moisture from the Mexican monsoon rains (July–September).
ecochevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Volcanic-granite mountain soil, well-drained, moderately poor; Sierra Madre Occidental hillside soils
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
S
W
Every 2–3 years for young plants; every 4–5 years for adults. Use repotting to remove offsets and renew the substrate.
One application of low-nitrogen fertilizer (cactus type, 5-10-10) in spring–summer. In established adult plants, fertilisation is optional. Never fertilise in autumn–winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Moderately toxic. Sap irritating to sensitive skin. Marginal filaments, though not pungent, can irritate skin on prolonged contact. Sharp and dangerous terminal spine.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Plant Health
Root rot by Fusarium spp. — greatest risk in pots with compacted substrate or excessive winter watering.
Mealybug (Pseudococcus spp.) — settles at the base of filaments and in leaf axils; difficult to detect; treat with potassium soap.
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — larvae in the piña during summer; regularly inspect the rosette base.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"A. schidigera is distinguished from A. filifera mainly by its geographic distribution (Sierra Madre Occidental vs. central and eastern ranges) and by its wider, rougher leaves. The cultivar 'Durango Delight' is especially ornamental, with denser and more curved filaments. In cultivation in cool-temperate climates it is one of the most frost-hardy filament agaves, making it very interesting for European and northern American gardens. Do not confuse with Yucca schidigera, a yucca species without direct relation but sharing the epithet."
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.