Agave Nigra

Agave nigra is a medium-sized agave reportedly native to Oaxaca, Mexico. As its name suggests (nigra = black), its defining feature is an extremely dark green to near-black leaf coloration, rare among agaves. The broad, thick leaves overlap densely to form a compact, handsome rosette. Dark marginal teeth harmonize with the blackish leaf color to create a uniquely atmospheric appearance. Mature rosettes reach 50–80 cm in diameter, well-suited for container culture. Its taxonomic status as an independent species is debated—some suggest it may be a dark variant of A. americana or related to A. asperrima—but horticulturally it circulates as a distinctive variety in its own right. Few agaves offer such dark foliage, making it a rare accent piece in any collection. Cold-hardy to approximately -5°C.