Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Agave Plant Dangers
Agave Plant Dangers. More than 200 species of agave (Agave spp.) grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. This succulent is classified as a perennial; however, it may only bloom once in a lifetime, not every year. Agave translates to "noble" in Greek, named so for the prolific center stalk in some species...
More than 200 species of agave (Agave spp.) grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. This succulent is classified as a perennial; however, it may only bloom once in a lifetime, not every year. Agave translates to "noble" in Greek, named so for the prolific center stalk in some species that bears flowers. The most common agave grown in the U.S. is Agave americana, which boasts a flower stalk reaching heights of 40 feet with green/yellow flowers. This species grows best in well-draining soil in USDA zones 8b to 11 in full sunlight.
Beware of My Fingers
Agaves are attractive succulents, but can be dangerous when planted near walkways, due to their body armor. The leaves are generally stiff and contain a very sharp point on the end, with jagged teeth along the leaf edges. The spear on the end and the teeth on the sides can tear through clothing and skin, causing serious injuries.
Please Don't Touch or Eat Me
The agave leaves contain a sap that is toxic to humans and pets. Skin irritation and itching develops from rubbing against the plant in the form of contact dermatitis. Skin exposed to the sap turns red, burns immediately and will develop blisters in the contact area. If a child or pet is unfortunate enough to ingest agave, the sap irritates everything it touches including skin, lips, tongue and throat, with extensive swelling. Breathing may become difficult and medical attention is needed immediately.
