Agave parryi var. parryi Engelm.

Century plant, Parry’s agave, mescal agave

Varieties of Parry’s agave are native to Arizona and Mexico, between 4000–9000′ (1.2–2.7 km) in elevation. Few sources acknowledge this variety, but I couldn’t resolve the uncertainty.

Plants: Rosettes reach 2′ (60 cm) tall and 3′ (91 cm) around, and resemble giant artichokes.

Leaves: 10–16″ (25–40 cm) long and 3–5″ (7.6–12 cm) wide, broadly oblong, one third to two fifths as wide as long, tapering to a sharp dark tan, brown, or black tip. They are smooth and rigid, about ½–¾″ (1.3–1.9 cm) thick, edged with teeth, light grayish- or bluish-green.

Flowers: The flower stalk is 11–20′ (3.4–6.1 m) high, branched at the top into 18-30 branches, each with bright lemon yellow flowers. Flowering occurs between June and August.

Fruits: New plants form along the root systems.

Habitats: Central and southeastern Arizona, at levations of 4000–9000′ (1.2–2.7 km).

Edibility: Indigenous peoples including the Apaches prepared this agave in many different ways as a food source.

Online References:

References:

Agave parryi var. parryi description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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