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 attenuata is commonly known as the Lion’s Tail, Fox Tail or Swan’s Neck for its development of a curved stem, unusual among agaves. This Agave presents to the gardener none of the dangers that its spine-covered relatives do. Massing up to 1.25 meter tall by about twice as wide, individual rosettes may reach 1 meter wide atop a stout curving smooth gray stem that rise up to 1 meter tall. The wide pale green pliable leaves emerge from a tight central spear to arch gracefully back, looking a bit like a large open green flower. Mature plants send up a 1.5 to 3 meter vertical flower stalk that reflexes back towards the ground before arching upward again. In cultivation, Agave attenuata is said to prefer relatively moist loamy soil, although it can cope with poor soil and dry conditions. It should be protected from direct sunlight in summer and from long periods of frost.