1. * Coastal Agave – Agave shawii (a-GAH-vee SHAW-ee-eye)
Family: Agavaceae (Agave Family)
Native to: Pacific coast from San Diego county south into Baja; on dry coastal bluffs and slopes to
1500', in coastal maritime shrub and coastal sage scrub communities.
Growth characteristics: clumping succulent mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 4-6 ft. clump
Evergreen succulent with rosette form typical for Agaves. Leaves dark green, glossy, stiff and lance-
shaped. Leaves have sharp spines on leaf tips and curved spines on leaf margins (sides). Plants
usually produce offshoots (pups) from the short trunk (caudix) as they mature. A showy plant!
Blooms/fruits: Plant blooms once before dying, at age 15+ years. Flowering can occur any time
between fall & spring. Flower stalks are massive – 15-40 ft tall. Flowers themselves are yellow to
reddish, fleshy and funnel-shaped, in clusters of 50-75. Fruits are dry capsules that split when ripe.
Uses in the garden: Often used as an accent plant for its bright green color and unusual shape.
Right at home in a coastal sage scrub garden. Interesting addition to a succulent garden, or can be
used as a large ground cover. Fine in containers; can be spectacular on slopes. Remember to
locate away from paths and other areas where contact with spines could cause injury. Flowers,
leaves and stalks are edible – require cooking. Fibers used for weaving, baskets, sandals, etc.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Agaves.
Attracts: Probably good habitat for insect pollinators. Lizards hide beneath leaves.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (coast) to part-shade (some afternoon shade in hot gardens).
Soil Best in dry rocky or sandy soils; ok in any local soil with good drainage.
Water Infrequent summer water (Zone 1-2) once established.
Fertilizer None.
Other Tolerates seaside conditions.
Management: Fairly easy in most local soils. Parent plant will die after flowering, but offshoots
(pups) will continue to grow. Weeding is a challenge.
Propagation: from seed: yes; try jiffy pellets for starting by cuttings/offshoots: relatively easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 9, 14, 20, 24, 52 1/29/17
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND