Agave angustifolia, commonly known as Caribbean Agave, is a perennial succulent native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and Central America. It thrives in open areas with well-drained soils, often on rocky outcrops, slopes, and in areas that experience periodic drought. This agave typically forms a rosette of narrow, stiff leaves that can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height and width. The leaves are a striking blue-green with sharp spines along the edges and a terminal spine. The ’Marginata’ cultivar is particularly ornamental, with white or yellow stripes along the leaf margins. Agave angustifolia blooms once in its lifetime, producing a tall flower spike with numerous yellow flowers, after which the plant dies.

Caribbean Agave is valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in full sun with little water once established. It is also cultivated for the production of mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage. Gardeners should monitor this species outside its native range to ensure it does not establish in wild areas.CC BY-SA 4.0