Espadín (Agave striata)

   

Espadín. Photograph by Paul Hotchkin.

• Common English Names: Narrow-leaf Agave, Striated Agave
• Common Spanish Names: Espadín, Espadillo, Guapilla, Soyate, Sotolito
• Scientific Name: Agave striata (uh-GAH-vee stri-A-tuh)
• Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)
• Geographic Range: Northern and eastern Mexico, in Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, south to Hidalgo.
• Plant Form: Rosette shrub, 3' X 3'.
• Remarks: Compact, medium-sized rosette with many, very narrow, spine-tipped leaves, glaucous green in color, often tinged with red or purple, and with minutely serrated margins. Dense clustering habit by offsets. Un-branched yellow flowering spike to 8' at maturity. Low water, full sun, well drained soils. Hardy to 15°.

Last Update: 22 Aug 2013