Murphy’s Agave

Agave murpheyi

Light
Water
Low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Occasional summer irrigation improves appearance; reduce watering substantially in winter.
Description
A compact, offsetting agave with upright gray-green to blue-green leaves, small marginal teeth, and sharp terminal spines. Historically cultivated by Indigenous peoples of the Southwest for food and fiber.
Deciduous / Evergreen
Special Features
Growth Rate
Growth Habit
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Sap is a skin/eye irritant
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix locations with intense reflected heat.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry thoroughly between waterings. Occasional summer irrigation improves appearance; reduce watering substantially in winter.

Soil: Very well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. Tolerates alkaline soil; use raised planting areas where drainage is poor.

Mature size: Approximately 2–3 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide per rosette; colonies spread wider. Flower stalks can reach 10–15 feet.

Bloom: Blooms once at maturity, often after 10–20 years, depending on growing conditions. The flowering rosette dies afterward, but offsets continue growing.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate; growth improves with occasional warm-season watering.