Agave deserti var. deserti
Desert agave
(c) Marshal Hedin, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Agavaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Agave deserti var. deserti (Desert agave) is a native California shrub in the Agavaceae family, recognized by No sympatric species - geographically isolated, forms many rosettes.
Desert agave is a California native shrub found in the southern desert regions in sandy to rocky slopes and washes in desert scrub at elevations of 300 to 1,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pale flowers with a bell-shaped perianth tube 3 to 5 millimeters long. Growing in dense rosettes with thick, grayish leaves 25 to 40 centimeters long, it forms a striking architectural plant in arid landscapes. Its leaves are succulent, bluish-gray, and arranged in a dramatic circular pattern radiating from a central point. The plant produces flower filaments emerging from the top of the perianth tube, creating a distinctive desert botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species - geographically isolated, forms many rosettes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy to rocky slopes, washes in desert scrub
Elevation: 300-1500 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego, Imperial
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Agave deserti var. deserti blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Aloe: Agave leaves spread from central rosette without a trunk; Aloe typically has a visible stem with leaves spiraling along it.; vs Yucca: Agave has yellow-green flowers with inferior ovary; Yucca has white flowers with superior ovary.; vs Hesperoyucca: Agave has yellow-green flowers with inferior ovary; Hesperoyucca has white flowers with superior ovary.; vs Phormium: Agave has thick succulent leaves with marginal spines; Phormium has thin fibrous strap-like leaves without spines.; vs Dudleya: Agave forms large rosettes with rigid sword-like leaves; Dudleya has smaller rosettes with soft paddle-shaped leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Agave deserti var. deserti native to California?
Yes. Agave deserti var. deserti is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Agave deserti var. deserti bloom?
Agave deserti var. deserti blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Agave deserti var. deserti grow?
Agave deserti var. deserti occurs in Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, at elevations of 300-1500 m.
What plant family does Agave deserti var. deserti belong to?
Agave deserti var. deserti is in the Agavaceae family, genus Agave.
What habitat does Agave deserti var. deserti grow in?
Agave deserti var. deserti grows in Sandy to rocky slopes, washes in desert scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.