Agave attenuata is a species of agave sometimes known as the lion's tail, swan's neck, or foxtail for its development of a curved inflorescence, unusual among agaves. When the inflorescence blooms, the flowers feature small, greenish-yellow petals.
Agave attenuata is an unusual succulent belonging to the Agave plant genus and the Asparagaceae family of plants. It’s native to the Mexican state of Jalisco where it produces a long, curved stem with greenish-yellow flowers. Agave attenuata has the common names Fox Tail Agave, Lion’s Tail and Swan’s Neck due to the interesting, curved inflorescence. The leaves grow in a bunches near the base, ranging from 20” to 28” inches in length and 5” to 6” inches in width. As the leaves die off, the stems remain visible. These stems can reach heights of 60” inches. However, the inflorescence can reach up to ten feet. This flower stalk curves back towards the ground and sometimes feature a second arch, resembling a fox tail. The fox tail agave produces many “suckers” or offshoots. These offshoots increase the clumping of the foliage, resulting in thicker growth.
