Parry's agave Agave parryi
Parry's agave (Agave parryi) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Mountains of Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico (1,200–2,400 m). It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -23 °C (-9 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Parry's agave in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Parry's agave at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -23 °C (-9 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 45 °C (113 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: roasted heart (traditionally) |
| Native to | Mountains of Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico (1,200–2,400 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Parry's agave toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: sap, leaves
Sap contains oxalates and saponins: skin rash; vomiting in pets.
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 Parry's agave
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Parry's agave in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (8 plants)
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (4 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (28 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (20 plants)
Questions about Parry's agave
- How far apart should I plant Parry's agave?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Parry's agave need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Parry's agave need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Parry's agave?
- It tolerates about -23 °C (-9 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Parry's agave flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Parry's agave poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Sap contains oxalates and saponins: skin rash; vomiting in pets.
- What grows well with Parry's agave?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Parry's agave. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Desert Botanical Garden plant collections and trails, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Desert plant: needs sharp drainage and little summer water once established; rots in wet, heavy soil.
- Compact artichoke-like rosette with black terminal spines; flowers once (a 4–6 m stalk) after 20–25 years, then dies, leaving offsets. Very cold-hardy for an agave (Denver).
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