Stiff blue-green rosette agave closely related to sisal, grown almost exclusively in the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico for fibre. The fibre is slightly shorter, softer and yellower than sisal.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H2 | 1 °C to 5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–7 | 0 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Leaf fibre extracted in the same way as sisal — by mechanical decortication of mature leaves
- Distinct from sisal (Agave sisalana) — henequen leaves are wider and bluer, and the fibre is slightly softer and yellower
- Once the dominant agriculture and source of wealth of the Yucatán — still grown there although sisal has largely overtaken it on the world market
- Plant flowers once after 10–20 years, then dies — replanted from bulbils and side shoots
- Not reliably hardy outdoors in Canada — Canadian zone values shown represent the system maximum and do not imply garden cultivation north of the warmest coastal pockets.
Pet caution: Henequen is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Henequen against your zones