Artichoke Agave

The Artichoke Agave, scientifically known as Agave parryi var. truncata (a variety of Parry’s Agave), earns its common name from its distinctive, compact rosette of leaves that strikingly resembles an artichoke. This beautiful succulent is native to the high-altitude desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, thriving in rocky, well-drained soils and tolerating both intense sun and surprisingly cold temperatures, often down to the low teens Fahrenheit.

As a monocarpic perennial, the Artichoke Agave has a typical lifespan of 10 to 25 years before it sends up a dramatic flower stalk and then slowly dies. Its most notable characteristic is the tight, symmetrical rosette of broad, short, thick, silvery-blue to gray-green leaves. These leaves are often tipped with a dark reddish-brown terminal spine and adorned with prominent, contrasting reddish-brown teeth along their margins. Though relatively slow-growing, it forms a dense, sculptural focal point in any landscape, usually reaching about 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. When mature, it produces a towering flower spike, often 10-20 feet tall, bearing clusters of bright yellow flowers that emerge from reddish buds, creating a spectacular display. While the mother plant perishes after flowering, it typically produces numerous offsets (pups) around its base, ensuring the continuation of the colony. The Artichoke Agave is a highly sought-after plant for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container planting due to its striking appearance, drought tolerance, and minimal maintenance needs.