Agaves are among the most conspicuous plants of arid North America; their bold forms attract attention in any landscape whether natural or designed. They are often confused with Yucca plants. Agaves are characterized by succulent or semi-succulent leaves that form rosettes from a few centimetres to several meters across, but there are many variations on this basic pattern. Growing Agaves and other succulents from seed is an easy, economical way to build up large numbers of plants. It is also an opportunity to find a seedling that shows unique or unusual characteristics from the mother plant.

Agave cupreata commonly known as Gray Dwarf Cowhorn is a medium sized non-suckering Agave that grows up to 60cm tall by 90cm wide with broad gray-green leaves that have dark copper-coloured spines on large mammilate protrusions (teats) along the slightly wavy margins. The dark teeth contrast well with the light gray-green leaves that also display well the bud imprinting that occurs when the leaves press up against the margins of the newer leaves in the center of the plant. It is a beautiful garden plant and is suitable for container gardening.