Cow's Horn Agave (Agave bovicornuta): A Graceful, Spineless-Margined Agave with Curved Teeth

Cow's Horn Agave, also called Lechuguilla Verde, forms a solitary, open rosette of broad, apple-green leaves that are uniquely curved and spoon-shaped at the tips, resembling cow horns. The leaf margins are smooth (spineless) but have prominent, curved, horn-like teeth. The terminal spine is stout. It grows 3–4 feet tall and wide. Native to Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico, it’s a graceful, user-friendly agave for frost-free gardens.

Taxonomic Profile

Growing Conditions

Full sun to light shade. Well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant. Frost tender; protect below 25°F (-4°C). The smooth margins make it safe near paths. Slow-growing. Excellent as a specimen in containers or in the ground.