Sub-species
subsp. goldmaniana
This perennial succulent has large grey-green lanceolate leaves that have marginal spines and forms a clump. It has yellow funnelform flowers in large umbels that are held above the foliage on a tall branched pyramidal panicle during spring. It differs from the species by having longer lighter green foliage and the inflorescence is more pyramidal in appearance. It is naturally found in Baja California from the Pacific slopes to inland El Rosario.

Cultivar
'Blue Flame'
This perennial succulent from Mexico forms a clump with flame-like rosettes up to 1.2m (5 ft) tall by 1m (3ft) wide of flexible blue-green foliage with finely serrated margins and a terminal spine. The younger leaves have a blue-green glaucous waxy appearance and are a feature of the plant. It prefers an open sunny to semi shaded position in desert conditions and grows in well drained moderately fertile sand-stony to clay soils.