The genus Agave is treated here in a wide sense to include taxa previously treated as belonging to the genera Manfreda, Prochnyanthes, Polianthes and Pseudobravoa. Not all botanists are happy with this treatment, with some feeling that these genera should remain distinct, at least until further studies have been carried out. In addition, given the high species diversity found in Agave, some feel that an alternative approach could be the recognition of several smaller genera within the current circumscription of Agave[].

Common Name:

General Information

Agave virginica is a drought-deciduous, succulent, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock and forming a cluster of leaves 8 - 47cm tall and 1 - 5cm wide. The flowering stems are up to 150cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of a soap. Manfreda virginica is semi-hardy, produces green, sweet-smelling flowers, and seems to have some possible merit as a rock garden plant[].

Known Hazards

Many Agave species have strong, sharp spines on the leaves and leaf tips.
In theory at least, the flowers, nectar, immature flowering stem and the centre of the rosette of all Agave species is edible and, with proper preparation, can provide a sweet, tasty foodstuff. Some species, however, contain relatively high levels of saponins (which makes them taste bitter) and some other compounds which can cause bellyache, and so these would only be eaten in times of desperation. In addition, many people may find these foods to be strongly laxative the first few times they eat them[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Central and southern N. America - Missouri and Illinois to Ohio and Virginia, south and west to northeast Mexico and Florida

Habitat

Glades and open woods, pine-oak woods and tropical deciduous woodlands, growing on rocky and sandy soils (subspecies lata is found mainly on clay soils), often on slopes; at elevations up to 600 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Moths
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Agave virginica has a very wide distribution, from the temperate climate of southern central USA (where it can experience temperatures falling as low as -20°c) to the semi-arid, subtropical climate of northeast Mexico.
Often found on alkaline soils in the wild[]. Agave species generally require a sunny position, succeeding in most soils of medium-fertility so long as they are very well-drained. Most species are undemanding as to the soil pH, though those found in the wild on limestone soils will grow better in neutral to alkaline conditions. Plants are generally very tolerant of dry conditions and of drought[].
The flowers hav a sweet, fruity aroma[]. The flowers have a fragrant banana - like scent[].
Pollination in the wild is primarily by sphinx moths[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Water in which the mashed rhizome has been soaked is considered a remedy for snakebite, to be both drunk and
applied topically to the wound[].
The pounded root, in a glass of water with a tablespoon of whiskey added, was used as a remedy for dropsy[]. The procedure may have had some merit since cardiac-stimulant glycosides are often found in association with saponins[].
In the southern United States the rhizome has also been employed as a remedy for colic and dyspepsia, as well as a
stomachic and a bitter tonic[, ].
Carminitive and antispasmodic properties have been attributed to the plant. None of these remedies has been analyzed for efficacy but the author can vouch for the bitterness of any tonic that might be made from the rhizome[].

The powdered seed, applied to the teeth, is said to relieve toothache and evacuate mucus[].

Other Uses

The root is rich in saponins and when crushed in water produces a lather. This has long been used as a soap for washing clothes etc[].

A wash made from the roots is used as an insecticide[]

Propagation

Seed -