Tag Archive for: Agave thorns

The sharp spines of Agave desmettiana begin to emerge

The sharp spines of Agave desmettiana begin to emerge.

In honor of Foliage Follow-up, which was created by Pam of Digging, I decided to focus on a part of the foliage of Agave – the thorns.

sharp thorns

Now, I am the first to admit, that is my least favorite part of the Agave, having pricked myself countless times.

Thorns surround each leaf of this Agave colorata

Thorns surround each leaf of this Agave colorata.

But, despite the fact that I have been pierced by their thorns, I do find beauty in them just the same.

The leaves of the Victoria Agave (Agave victoria-reginae)

The leaves of the Victoria Agave (Agave victoria-reginae)

I love that the colors of the thorns contrast so beautifully with the color of the leaves.

sharp thorns

Close-up view of the leaves of my Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata).

The thorns themselves, often have interesting shapes as well.

sharp thorns

 The thorns of the Agave salmiana surround the entire leaf.

So, what do you do if you like the beauty of the many different types of agave, but do not want to risk getting hurt by their thorns?

sharp thorns

Well, there are three different solutions….

First, you can plant agave species, such as Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana), which does not have sharp thorns.

Secondly, you can plant your agave away from walkways and the patio, and placing them farther out in the landscape, where you can enjoy their beauty, without accidentally getting hurt.

Thirdly, you can just cut off the tips of the thorns.  This is what I do for the two Agave I have growing by my front entry.  The thorns do not grow back and I can continue to enjoy the beauty of my agave, close-up. 

So, enjoy the beauty of the entire agave….even those sharp thorns ;^)