Types of Agave Plants Without Thorns

Agave attenuate "Fox Tail Agave"

• This ornamental plant is distinctive in that it has a large rosette of pale blue-green leaves perched on a long, curving stem. The soft, fleshy leaves are smooth on the edges. Its height ranges from 2 to 5 feet. From early to late summer, arching spikes bloom with yellow-green flowers. When the temperature dips below freezing, this species needs protection. In drier climates, it requires slightly more water than your typical agave.

Agave bracteosa "Squid Agave"

• The thin, pale green leaves of this species arch and curve like the tentacles of a squid. This slow growing agave forms clumps of small rosettes each holding about 15 soft leaves. At maturity, the plant reaches a height of about 2 feet with a 5-foot spread. In June and July, tall stalks of bushy cream-colored flowers bloom. Unlike most agaves, this species can blossom many times during its lifetime. Filtered sunlight is preferable, especially in hot climates. However, it can withstand severe freezes.

Agave desmettiana "Smooth Agave" or "Dwarf Century Plant"

• If you need an agave that not only grows well in the ground, but also in a large container, this is a good choice. This small species reaches a height of only 2 to 3 feet. Leaf colors range from pale greenish-yellow to dark blue-green. After about eight years, it flowers from late spring to early summer. Although this agave lacks large thorns, it does have very fine teeth and a sharp terminal spike that you'll need to clip off to prevent injury. It has limited cold tolerance and you should protect it if the temperature gets below freezing.

Agave schotti

• This is a small, grass-like plant, rarely more than 12 inches wide. It has narrow, yellow-green leaves with smooth brown edges. The blooms, which appear from April to August, are dull yellow but extremely fragrant. In very hot climates, this agave prefers light shade. However, it is very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures well below freezing. These grassy agaves like to spread in clumps and are good in rocky, shallow soils.

Agave vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave)

• This is a large species that grows about 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. The light green leaves are long and curving like the tentacles of an octopus. They are smooth with a brown border. The terminal spine of this agave is sharp but flexible and you can clip it off. After 7 to 10 years, yellow-white flowers occur from March to May on a tall, straight stalk. You must protect this agave from frost.