Agave salmiana or the Giant Agave, is as its name suggests the largest of all Agaves and therefore only suitable for large and spacious gardens, rocky banks or parks.
It is a rosette forming succulent with large, dark grey to green and erect leaves, up to 1.5m long that flare outwards. The leaf edges are lined with spines and a sharp point features at the tip.
The unfolded leaf leaves its imprint on the leaf undersides.
After 15 to 25 years it will produce one flower stalk before dying (monocarpic). Each stalk can be from four to six metres tall and carries greeny yellow flowers that are quite fragrant and rich in nectar. Some specimens have produced even taller spikes, one in California was measured at around 16m.
These are spectacular plants that are also useful for stabilising rocky banks and slopes.