Agave horrida - 2ga

This listing is for reference only at this point.

Agave horrida, locally known as Mexcalmetl, is a compact, high-elevation agave from central Mexico valued for its dense symmetry, pronounced marginal armament, and adaptability to containers and dry gardens. It forms solitary, globe-shaped rosettes typically 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, composed of thick mid- to dark-green leaves that are slightly paler beneath. The leaf margins are lined with large, elongated brown teeth that often curve backward and gradually weather to gray, creating strong contrast against the foliage, while each leaf terminates in a stout, sharp spine. Plants offset sparingly, maintaining a clean, architectural form well suited to close viewing. Flowering is infrequent and occurs only after many years; a single unbranched stalk to about 5 feet tall carries yellow flowers, after which the rosette dies, consistent with the monocarpic habit of agaves. The species is native to rocky volcanic slopes and lava fields at roughly 6,900–7,800 feet in states including Morelos, Querétaro, and San Luis Potosí, where its elevation contributes to notable cold tolerance. In cultivation it prefers full sun, excellent drainage, and occasional to infrequent watering, tolerating temperatures into the low 20s °F when kept dry, and is best used in containers, rock gardens, and xeric landscapes away from foot traffic due to its formidable spines.