Squid Agave. Agave bracteosa, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Squid Agave. Also called: Spider Aguave. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. A thick-leafed evergreen succulent which does not always die after blooming as do most agave. It has pointed leaves which form a basal rosette with a 2 - 3 foot height and a spread of 3 - 4 feet. It has a slow growth rate. Can not take full sun in Phoenix or Tucson. Plant in a light shady area. Quick Notes: Height: 2 to 3 feet tall. Spreads about 3 to 4 feet. Flowers: The inflorescence spike is also short at 3 1/2 to 5 feet tall, and its upper third is densely covered with white or pale yellow flowers. The flowers are distinctive in that tepals arise from a disk-shaped receptacle rather than the usual tube. The stamens are quite long. Does not die after flowering. Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid March. Leaves: The leaves symmetrical, spineless rosettes of thick, succulent, dark green leaves over 3 ft long. They have a wavey appearance like the upraised arms of an ocotopus or squid. They are smooth, curved, with very tiny rough margins. Found: Native to the Chihuahuan Desert mountains in northern Mexico. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range on the east side of the Chihuahuan Desert is the location of the small region where this plant is native. The Sierra Madre Oriental runs from Coahuila south through Nuevo Le�n, southwest Tamaulipas, San Luis Potos�, Quer�taro, and Hidalgo to northern Puebla, where it joins with the east-west running Eje Volc�nico Transversal of central Mexico. Hardiness: USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 �C (10 �F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Needs partial shade in Arizona. Partial Shade Elevation: Native to 2,953 - 5,577 feet in the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains of Mexico. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is remarkably tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken; Boyce Thompson Arboretum, October 11, 2006.