
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agave Attenuata
BeginnerAgave attenuata
Thornless agave with soft gracefully spreading leaves. Safe and easy for beginners. Frost-sensitive — bring indoors in winter.
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
Agave Attenuata FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave Attenuata?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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
- USDA Zone
- 10–12
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.
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
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.
Agave Attenuata Listings
Find listings for this species
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