This clump forming perennial succulent has a short trunk with a dense rosette of fleshy grey green ovate leaves that are armed with marginal spines. The yellowish green funnel-shaped flowers appear in clusters above the plant during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Agave shawii is naturally found in North America growing along the Pacific coast from Baja California to southern California appearing in chaparral and on rocky hillsides from sea level to an altitude of 853m (2,800 ft). 

It prefers an open to exposed sunny to semi shaded position and grows in well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony to clay soils and is pH adaptable. It is drought and wind tolerant but frost tender.

The Coastal Century Plant is grown for its clumping habit and its flowers. It is planted in arid or coastal gardens as a specimen or in group plantings and is ideal for a large rockery. It is also grown in patio pots and planter boxes tolerating neglect. It is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions and establishes in 2-3 years and lives for up to 40 years. This agave spreads quickly and is planted on rocky embankments as a soil stabiliser and responds to rainfall. ID 3390
 
Agave (a-GAH-vee ) shawii (SHAW-ee-eye)

Agavaceae (ah-gav-AY-see-ee)