Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) Agave salmiana
Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) (Agave salmiana) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Central Mexican highlands (Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Puebla, San Luis Potosí). It grows 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2 m (4.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) 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 | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: sap (aguamiel), flower stalk (roasted) |
| Native to | Central Mexican highlands (Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Puebla, San Luis Potosí) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain |
Is Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap, leaves
The sap of raw leaves contains calcium oxalate and saponins and can cause a stinging rash (ASPCA lists agaves as toxic). 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 Pulque agave (maguey pulquero)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Pulque agave (maguey pulquero)
- How far apart should I plant Pulque agave (maguey pulquero)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pulque agave (maguey pulquero)?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) flower?
- From about May for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pulque agave (maguey pulquero) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The sap of raw leaves contains calcium oxalate and saponins and can cause a stinging rash (ASPCA lists agaves as toxic). Leaf tips are sharp.
- What grows well with Pulque agave (maguey pulquero)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pulque agave (maguey pulquero). 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).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A huge grey-green rosette; at maturity the bud is cut out and the sweet sap (aguamiel) scraped from the cavity twice a day for months is fermented into pulque. Left alone it flowers once on a 7–8 m stalk and dies.
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