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Agave parryi var. couesii

coues agave

Native to central Arizona in the United States, on rocky slopes and in open woodlands across the Mogollon Rim, Sierra Ancha, and Mazatzal Mountains at elevations of 3,500-7,000 ft (1,070-2,130 m); among the more cold-hardy agaves available, tolerating temperatures to -20°F (-29°C) in well-drained conditions, but crown rot develops rapidly in wet winter soils

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterVery Low · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–10

Overview

Agave parryi var. couesii spp. is a compact rosette-forming succulent in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae spp.) reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Compared to the type variety A. parryi var. parryi spp., this variety has narrower more elongated leaves and a slightly smaller overall rosette. Blue-gray leaves are thick and rigid, each tipped with a dark brown to black terminal spine 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long and lined with small marginal teeth. The rosette holds a tight symmetrical form for many years before producing a single flower stalk 8-15 ft (2.4-4.5 m) tall bearing clusters of yellow flowers with red-tipped buds. As a monocarpic species, the parent rosette dies after flowering, which typically occurs after 10-20 years. Offsets produced at the base prior to flowering continue the colony. This variety is among the more cold-hardy agaves, tolerating temperatures to -20°F (-29°C) in well-drained conditions, but crown rot develops rapidly in wet winter soils. The sharp terminal spine and leaf tips pose an injury hazard near paths and seating areas. Sap causes skin irritation, and all parts are toxic if ingested.

Native Range

Agave parryi var. couesii spp. is native to central Arizona in the United States, on rocky slopes and in open woodlands across the Mogollon Rim, Sierra Ancha, and Mazatzal Mountains at elevations of 3,500-7,000 ft (1,070-2,130 m).

Suggested Uses

Used as a specimen in xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and desert-style landscapes. The cold hardiness suits the variety to arid gardens in USDA zones 5-10 where other agaves cannot survive. Container culture in pots of 5 gallons (19 L) or more with mineral substrate allows cultivation in wetter climates with winter protection. Sited away from paths and seating due to the sharp terminal spines.

How to Identify

Identified by a compact symmetrical rosette of narrow blue-gray leaves, each tipped with a dark terminal spine. Marginal teeth are small and evenly spaced. Separated from A. parryi var. parryi spp. by the narrower more lanceolate leaves and a slightly smaller rosette diameter. Separated from A. parryi var. truncata spp. by the longer more tapered leaf shape.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

As a monocarpic species, A. parryi var. couesii spp. flowers once after 10-20 years of vegetative growth. The flower stalk rises 8-15 ft (2.4-4.5 m) in late spring, bearing paniculate clusters of yellow flowers with red-tipped buds over approximately 4 weeks in summer. Hummingbirds and bats visit the flowers. The parent rosette dies after seed set.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow flowers with red-tipped buds carried on a tall stalk 8-15 ft (2.4-4.5 m) tall in late spring after 10-20 years of vegetative growth — the species is monocarpic and the parent rosette dies after seed set

Foliage Description

Blue-gray with a dark brown to black terminal spine 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long; small evenly spaced marginal teeth line the leaf edges

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Sharply drained mineral-based soil is essential; amend clay or loam with 50% or more coarse sand, pumice, or gravel. Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between irrigations. In regions with wet winters, plant on slopes or in raised beds to prevent crown rot, which is the primary cause of loss. No fertilization is needed. This variety tolerates cold to -20°F (-29°C) when soil drainage is adequate, but wet-cold conditions are lethal. Remove offsets periodically if a single-rosette specimen is desired.

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged outer leaves by cutting cleanly at the base with a sharp blade. After the monocarpic bloom event, cut the dried flower stalk at ground level. No routine pruning is needed. Thick gloves and eye protection are advisable when working around the sharp terminal spines.