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Agave americana Not to be Confused with the Tequila Variety

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Real Estate Agent with Windermere Real Estate - El Dorado Hills CA DRE# 01499004

When I was taking Plant ID classes at Sierra College in the early 2000's, we learned about Agave americana.  My husband heard me say Agave and immediately thought of tequila. He wanted to plant one in our yard for the symbolism.  Just to be clear, the Agave here is Agave americana and the one used in producing tequila is Agave tequilana. This version is ornamental and TOUGH.  I'll never forget my teacher saying that you practically need a chain saw to trim them.  Good job on these shown here!  This was taken along Pleasant Valley Road, Placerville.  

Agave american

Agave americana

Comments(6)

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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Agave was not on the list when I was taking my plant id classes back in the 80's,

it does look like a cool plant to have in a yard though.

Feb 23, 2014 11:14 AM
Sharon & Bruce Walter
Keller Williams Realty Lafayette, IN - Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette homes for sale

Dee Dee, I take it is does well in your drought conditions you have out in California.  You would sure have to use native plants for landscaping with your ever developing water situation.

Feb 23, 2014 11:46 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Yes, those look rather hardy.  Some of the agave leaves are used to make sisal carpet.

Feb 23, 2014 05:47 PM
Laura Allen, Lake Tahoe - Truckee Real Estate for Sale TahoeLauraRealEstate.com
Coldwell Banker Realty, Tahoe City, CA (530) 414-1260 - Tahoe City, CA
Tahoe Real Estate Agent Helping Buyers and Sellers

DeeDee - I can see why your honey was disappointed that it wasn't the tequila producing agave plant!  : ) Beautiful plants!

Feb 25, 2014 04:16 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Dee Dee, I just read Debbie's comment and am laughing myself silly!  And cool plants.

Feb 25, 2014 12:26 PM
Mike Mitchell
Kee Realty - Saint Clair Shores, MI
REALTOR (R)

Ha! I have to admit DeeDee, as soon as I saw agave I was thinking tequila and I have to check out this post!! Learn something new everyday! Nice post. :)

Mar 10, 2014 10:21 AM