Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

false sisal

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Agave decipiens

Family:

Agavaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

shrub

Size:

4-5 (8) ft tall by 5 (8) ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

white

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

evergreen

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Specimen plant. Plant where its pointy foliage will be an asset but not be touched.

Considerations:

Sharp pointed leaves and sap that can be irritating to the skin. Only blooms once.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales, Seed

Propagation:

Seed and basal root cuttings.

Light:

Full Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

-|----|----|----|----|--|----|---- <----------->

Short very dry periods ---to--- Very long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

High. Can tolerate significant and ongoing amounts of salt.

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand

Soil pH:

Calcarious

Suitable to Grow In:

9A,9B,10A,10B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Caterpillars

Larval host for Yucca Giant Skipper ( Megathymus yuccae ) and Cofaqui Giant Skipper ( Megathymus cofaqui ).  Pollinated by moths.

Native Habitats:

Coastal hammocks, shell middens, dry coastal uplands.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:

Can be distinguished from non-native agave by its bare basal trunk. Endemic to southern peninsular Florida from the Monroe County Keys north along the coasts to Martin and Manatee counties.