Agave attenuata is a perennial succulent with a trunk that sometimes branches at the base. It is a monocarpic plant, which means that it dies after flowering. It can grow to a size of 1 metre tall by 2 metres wide. The name Agave comes from the Greek word ‘agavos’ which has the meaning ‘of kings and hero’s’, referring to being noble-probably the flower spike. The second part of the name, attenuata, is from the Latin word ‘attenuate’, meaning drawn out in reference to hoe the leaf ends in a sharp point. It is native to central and western Mexico.

This soft wooded perennial has a rosette of leaves on top of its trunk. The leaves are grey-green in colour and are between 50 and 70cm long and without any spines on the leaf margins. Plantlets are produced on the inflorescence or at the base of the trunk. The flowers appear in winter here in Sydney, once the plant reaches maturity between the ages of 7 and 70 years old. The inflorescence grows quickly and has tubular to funnel form flowers. The fruit is a papery capsule but often doesn’t form. Once the flower has started to grow, the original plant takes approximately twelve months to die.

Agave attenuata likes full sun in a warm climate. It can tolerate light frost. It needs a gritty soil that is well drained but can tolerate most soils. In low fertility soil, growth is slower and flowering is delayed. It’s also very drought tolerant.

To propagate, separate the plantlets carefully and treat as a cutting. Roots form slowly so give it time to become established. Seed, where available, can also be used.

This is a low maintenance plant. Cut off any dead leaves as required. slugs and snails may be a problem.

Tequila and sisal hemp are two uses for this plant. It looks good in a range of gardens from contemporary and dry gardens to planter boxes and roof or balcony gardens.