desert succulent
Shaw's Agave
Agave shawii
Also known as Coastal Agave, Boundary Century Plant, Shaw's Century Plant
1 of 2Native to California
Southern California and Baja California
- Light Full sun Sun tolerance
- Moisture Dry Moisture preference
- Zones n/a Cold to heat range
- Bloom Jan–Dec Flowering time
- Height
- Life cycle Perennial Annual to perennial
In the garden
A desert succulent for full sun and lean, dry soil. Its yellow and green flowers peak in February.
Growing conditions
Light
Full sun Partial shade Full shade
Moisture
Dry Moist Wet
When it blooms
The Shaw's Agave's yellow and green flowers bloom January to December, peaking in February. This late-winter display draws birds and hummingbirds.
Shaw's Agave blooms yellow & greenFoliage
Pollinators & wildlife
- Birds Yellow-rumped Warbler also Common Raven, Orange-crowned Warbler
- Hummingbirds Anna's Hummingbird
- Bees Western Honey Bee
Full plant details
Where it grows
- Habitat
- DesertThe wild plant community it grows in.
- Native range
- CaliforniaUnited States (1): CA. Where it grows wild on its own, by state and province.
- Native distribution
- Southern California and Baja CaliforniaThe same native range, usually more exact than the state list, and often noting where it has spread beyond it.
Growing conditions
- Light
- Full sunHow much sun it takes, from full sun to full shade.
- Moisture
- DryThe soil dampness it prefers, from dry to wet.
- Soil
- Dry, rocky soilsThe soils it grows in naturally.
- Water use
- LowHow thirsty it is, a rough guide to how often to water.
Growth & form
- Life cycle
- PerennialWhether it lives a single season (annual), two (biennial), or returns for years (perennial).
Flowers, foliage & fruit
- Type
- SucculentWhat kind of plant it is.
- Bloom
- Jan–DecWhen it flowers.
- Flower color
- Yellow, GreenThe bloom color, or colors.
- Fruit/Seeds
- ripens Jan–OctThe seed or fruit it sets after flowering.
- Toxicity
- None knownWhether any part is poisonous to people or pets.