Lechuguilla (Agave lechuguilla)

   

 

Fig. 1 (top). Overview of Lechuguilla in its native habitat. Photograph by A.H. Harris. Fig. 2. Flower stalk. Fig. 3. Close-up of flowers. Fig. 2 and 3 by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Lechuguilla, Shindagger
• Common Spanish Names: Lechuguilla
• Scientific Name: Agave lechuguilla (a-GA-vee lay-chew-GHEE-uh)
• Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)
• Geographic Range: Throughout the Chihuahuan Desert in Trans-Pecos Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico south to Hidalgo.
• Plant Form: Perennial shrub 2' x 2'
• Description: Endemic indicator plant for the Chihuahuan Desert; basal rosette of narrow semi-succulent yellow-green leaves with short recurved marginal spines and a stout, sharp, terminal spine; produces purplish to yellow flowers on 3-12 ft stalk after 3 to 5 years; dies after flowering; spreads by suckers (pups); prefers dry, alkaline, limestone soils; roots eaten by deer and javelina, toxic to livestock. Very low water, full sun, fully hardy.
• Ethnobotany: Ethnobotanical comments by Jane SpottedBird. To return to this page, use the back button on your browser.

Last Update: 22 Aug 2013