Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata): Spineless Swan-Neck Succulent

Overview

Foxtail Agave (Agave attenuata), also called Dragon-Tree Agave or Spineless Agave, is unique among agaves for its complete lack of spines and teeth. Its soft, pliable, pale blue-green leaves form an open, arching rosette atop a thick, often curved trunk, giving it a tropical, palm-like appearance. The flower spike is a magnificent, arching, 5–10 foot raceme densely packed with greenish-yellow flowers, resembling a fox tail. It offsets freely, forming colonies. Frost-tender but widely grown in mild climates and as a dramatic container plant.

Key Features

• Leaves: Soft, spineless, toothless, pale blue-green; arching.
• Trunk: Thick, often curved; visible as lower leaves drop.
• Flower Spike: Arching, 5–10 ft; dense greenish-yellow flowers; fox-tail shape.
• Offsets: Freely clumping at base and on trunk.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to part shade. Best in light shade in hottest climates.

Water

Moderate. More water than desert agaves. Good drainage.

Soil

Well-drained, rich organic mix.

Hardiness

USDA zones 9b–11. Frost damages leaves.

Taxonomy

Family:	Agavaceae
Genus:	Agave (a-GAH-vee)
Species:	attenuata (at-ten-yoo-AY-tuh)
Synonym:	Agave cernua