Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) Agave potatorum
Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) (Agave potatorum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Puebla and Oaxaca, southern Mexico. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 521–782 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: heart (roasted; mezcal) |
| Native to | Puebla and Oaxaca, southern Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap, leaf tips
The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that cause a burning rash on skin; the leaf tips are sharp.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá)
- How far apart should I plant Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) flower?
- About 521–782 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals and saponins that cause a burning rash on skin; the leaf tips are sharp.
- What grows well with Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Butterfly agave (papalomé, tobalá). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- A symmetrical rosette of broad, powder-blue leaves edged with wavy red-brown teeth, like a cluster of butterfly wings. Wild plants are harvested for tobalá, a prized mezcal; it does not offset, so overharvesting threatens wild stands and growers now raise it from seed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana