PlantFiles: Cow's Horn Agave, Lechuguilla Verde
Agave bovicornuta

The common name for this native Mexican agave is "cow horn agave". The central buds resemble cows' horns. The shiny light-green leaves have contrasting chestnut-brown spines and strong bud imprints.The newly unfurled leaves have a satin sheen and bright-red young teeth. I believe it grows about 4 feet high and 6 feet wide which is in conflict with the information above. A truly unique looking agave.

Got this agave as a small seedling when it had bright bright green leaves and deep red marginal striping. ANd the surprise to me was it kept both traits as it grew into a large Agave. Fortunately it seems to be slow to sucker (in fact, I think it is a nonsuckering species) since it otherwise would have crowded out all the other plants in the area. Striking color for an agave and a wonderful landscape plant.

I have seen quite a number of these in Southern CAlifornia, growing from infancy to flowering adults. Perhaps this climate does not support their ultimate size potential, but never have I even seen one over 3' tall before flowering, though from Xenomorph's photo, I could believe that one is perhaps taller than 3'. Most plants here in So CAl flower at around 2.5'-3', some smaller. I certainly have never experienced one any wider than 4', though. Perhaps in a super hot climate... or perhaps a hybrid with A ferox?