About Agave palmeri Engelm.
Agave palmeri Engelm. is the largest Agave species that grows in the United States. It forms a basal rosette of fleshy, upright green leaves that can reach up to 120 centimeters (4 feet) in length. The leaves have jagged edges, and each leaf ends in a sharp, thick spine that measures 3–6 cm (1+1⁄4–2+1⁄4 inches) long. Its buds are purplish. It blooms from June to August; the flowers are pale yellow and green, and 4–5 cm (1+1⁄2–2 in) long, with six segments and six stamens. The flowers grow on branches that emerge from the upper third of the flower spike, which can grow up to 5 metres (16 ft) tall. This species is native to southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, Sonora, and Chihuahua, where it grows in dry, rocky areas. It is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant in other regions. It needs a large pot when grown in cultivation, but is very tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, including temperatures around −10 °C. Native Americans historically used this plant for food, drink, fiber, soap, medicine, and to make lances.
