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Agave Attenuata (Agave attenuata)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Agave Attenuata

Beginner

Agave attenuata

Thornless agave with soft gracefully spreading leaves. Safe and easy for beginners. Frost-sensitive — bring indoors in winter.

Growing Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
5〜35℃
Lifespan
10-20 years
Size
50cm-1m

About

Agave attenuata, often called the foxtail agave or lion's tail agave, is one of the few agave species without a sharp terminal spine, making it far safer to handle than most of its relatives. Native to the highlands of Jalisco and Estado de México at elevations of 1,800–2,500 m, it produces soft, blue-gray to gray-green leaves that arch gracefully outward. Mature plants reach 50 cm to 1 m tall and 1–1.5 m wide, eventually forming clumps through abundant offsetting. Growth is relatively fast for an agave. While adaptable to full sun or bright partial shade, the soft leaves can sunburn under intense summer sun, so some afternoon shelter is beneficial. It is frost-sensitive—bring indoors before temperatures drop below 5°C. Water thoroughly when the soil dries, reducing in winter. Its thornless nature, elegant form, and ease of cultivation make it one of the most widely grown agaves worldwide, popular with gardeners of all experience levels.

Basic Info

Origin

Jalisco and Estado de México, Mexico

Lifespan

10-20 years

Size

50cm-1m

Temperature

5〜35℃

Growing Tips

Sunlight

Bright location. Direct sunlight OK

Watering

Water thoroughly when soil dries

Cold tolerance

Above 5°C. Frost-sensitive

Safety

No thorns — safe for homes with pets

Notes

Needs more water than other agaves

ThornlessGracefulSafeBeginner-friendly

Agave Attenuata FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave Attenuata?
A

Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.

QWhat is the ideal temperature for Agave Attenuata?
A

The ideal temperature for Agave Attenuata is 5〜35℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

QWhat is the lifespan of Agave Attenuata?
A

The average lifespan of Agave Attenuata is 10-20 years. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.

QHow large does Agave Attenuata get?
A

The mature size of Agave Attenuata is 50cm-1m. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QWhat is the typical price for Agave Attenuata?
A

The price of Agave Attenuata varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check ボタちょく's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Growing Specifications

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BoTachoku Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck

Synonyms: Ghiesbreghtia mollis, Agave attenuata var. subundulata, Agave attenuata var. latifolia, Agave attenuata var. compacta, Agave glaucescens, Agave attenuata var. paucibracteata

Authority databases: GBIF · POWO

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Sources: CITES Appendices (List of species protected by CITES Appendix II) / 環境省 特定外来生物一覧 (Agave 非該当を確認)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

Find listings for this species

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