Agave isthmethensis var. verschaffeltii
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Agave isthmethensis makes a beautiful slow-growing container plant with few offshoots. Good in succulent, cactus, xeriscape borders and gardens. Agave verschaffeltii is a small, sharp-spined agave so be sure to locate it far enough away from foot traffic. Forms basal offsets close to the mother plant eventually growing into a tight compact cluster.
Aka Agave potatorum var. verschaffeltii, Agave isthmethensis grows from a pretty symmetrical basal rosette with outward flaring spatulate leaves, up to one foot in length, which give the plant a ruffled appearance. The leaves are fringed with short, sharp, dark spines and have a terminal spine of one to two inches. The leaves are a pale, silvery green, blushing burgundy near their spiny edges. The monocarpic flower spike grows 10 to 20 feet long in September to December and bears pale green and yellow flowers subtended with red bracts. Like most agaves, Agave isthmethensis needs good drainage and can take alkaline soils.
This beautiful agave was appreciated by the Nahuatl Indians who called it “papalometl” meaning “Butterfly Agave”. The name “potatorum” is the generative of the Latin word ‘potator’ meaning “of the drinkers” referencing the use of this plant for making alcoholic drinks.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Agave potatorum var. verschaffeltii
Common Names: Butterfly Agave, Dwarf Butterfly Agave
Family: Agavaceae
Origin: Native to partial desert areas of Mexico from Puebla south to Oaxaca at elevations from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. Costal varieties tend toward solitary growth. Inland varieties has many offsets.
Size Label: 1 Gallon
Mature Size: individual rosette
Height: 1-2′
Width: 1-3′
Cold Tolerance: 25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high
Light Requirement: Part to full sun
Water needs: Very drought tolerant, needs some irrigation in hot desert climates
Maintenance: Remove and replant pups, trim spines as necessary.
Uses: This makes a beautiful slow growing container plant with few offshoots. Good in succulent, cactus, xeriscape borders and gardens. This is a sharp-spined agave so be sure to locate it far enough away from foot traffic.
Propagation: Rare offsets can be removed and replanted. Pups and seeds can be collected after flowering and planted.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/192992/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agave_potatorum
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=79
http://plantfinder.sunset.com/plant-details.jsp?id=3157
Shipping & Availability
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There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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