Agave americana
- Beware of My Fingers. Agaves are attractive succulents, but can be dangerous when planted near walkways, due to their body armor.
- Please Don't Touch or Eat Me. The agave leaves contain a sap that is toxic to humans and pets. ...
- Save A Dying Agave Plant. Ask your agave supplier or local garden store for precise hardiness zone information for your plant.
Is the sap of agave plants poisonous?
The sap of agave plants is mildly toxic. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources characterizes agave as being mildly toxic. It describes the plant as having oxalate crystals in its leaves, which can cause extreme irritation.
Can you be allergic to agave plants?
Although most instances of contact dermatitis from agave plants are minor, it is best to consult with a doctor if a rash forms, particularly if the person has a history of severe allergic reactions. Agave plants can be grown safely in the garden if they are located where they can be enjoyed from a distance.
What are the dangers of agave crystals?
The needlelike crystals can irritate a sensitive person or pet's mouth and throat with such severity that it can cause swelling and difficulty breathing. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that agave plant leaves contain saponins and volatile oils that will cause damage ranging from irritation to swelling.
What happens if you eat raw agave?
Don't eat raw agave! According to the Chongquing Times, "Zhang," 26, thought the agave leaf she was taking a bite out of was Aloe vera. She expected it to be bitter, but not that bitter. Her mouth and throat burned.
Is agave plant poisonous to humans?
The agave leaves contain a sap that is toxic to humans and pets. Skin irritation and itching develops from rubbing against the plant in the form of contact dermatitis. Skin exposed to the sap turns red, burns immediately and will develop blisters in the contact area.
Are all types of agave edible?
The leaves and juice can be too bitter to eat. There are over 200 agave species so make sure you have an edible one. Spine arrangement, length and shape help tell the species apart.
Why is agave poisonous?
Agave americana has several toxic compounds, not all of which have been positively identified. It contains the incrediby irritating calcium oxylate raphides (microscopic daggers of crystaline oxylate) as well as some other really irritating oils in the sap.
Is agave blue glow poisonous?
Agave 'Blue Glow' is not toxic to humans, but it may be mildly poisonous to children and pets.
Is all agave blue agave?
Agave nectar and blue agave nectar are both derived from the agave plant, a type of succulent that grows in hot, dry environments all over the world. But each type of nectar comes from a different species of agave plant. Not all agave nectars are equal.
How do I identify agave?
Look for thick, stiff symmetrical leaves ranging in color from blue-gray to gray or blue to dark-blue with spiny margins that taper to a sharp point. The dark-red or black spines growing from the leaf margins are about 1/3-inch long and those growing from the tips grow to around 1/2-inch long.
Which agave is poisonous?
The desert agave or century plant (Agave americana) is a notoriously toxic and poisonous plant, but it's also very attractive, and so it is a common landscape plant.
Can you touch an agave plant?
Call a doctor, veterinarian or poison control if any part of the plant is chewed or eaten just to be safe. A more common symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation, or dermatitis. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin.
What happens if you get poked by agave plant?
Exposure to Agave plants has been reported to cause skin irritation and rashes. Plant arthrotomies can lead to an inflammatory arthritis and a foreign body is often found during surgery.
Can you eat agave flower?
Several parts of the agave plant are edible as well. The flowers and leaves of the agave plant may be roasted or boiled — the leaves have a "caramel-like" flavor, according to Inside Herb Gardens.
Is agave attenuata poisonous?
Is Agave attenuata poisonous? The sap of attenuata's leaves are considered mildly poisonous to humans. If ingested in sufficient amounts, it could cause serious irritation. So, just be careful.
Can agave make you sick?
Because agave syrup is much higher in fructose than plain sugar, it has greater potential to cause adverse health effects, such as increased belly fat and fatty liver disease.
What happens if you eat agave?
A more common symptom of exposure to agave plants is skin irritation, or dermatitis. This can happen when a person is pricked by the sharp spines or if the sap gets on exposed skin.
How tall does an agave plant grow?
The lush, low-maintenance agave (Agave spp.) stands out among other succulent plants with its symmetrical shape and striking flower display, which features masses of large, waxy flowers atop a stalk that can reach 40 feet in height, according to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service. Sometimes called century plant, it grows ...
How much space does an agave plant need?
According to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, small agave varieties, such as Parry's agave (Agave parryi) need only 1 to 3 feet of space, while larger varieties, such as the American century plant (Agave americana), needs up to 10 feet of space, as described by Missouri Botanical Garden.
Is agave poisonous?
Agave Poisoning Symptoms. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources characterizes agave as being mildly toxic. It describes the plant as having oxalate crystals in its leaves, which can cause extreme irritation.
Can agave cause a rash?
It can cause a very painful, prickly feeling rash that can develop into weeping blisters. Although most instances of contact dermatitis from agave plants are minor, it is best to consult with a doctor if a rash forms, particularly if the person has a history of severe allergic reactions.
Can agave be grown in a garden?
Agave plants can be grown safely in the garden if they are located where they can be enjoyed from a distance. Fortunately, agave plants don't require much interaction once they are planted in a suitable site.
Can agaves rot?
As with most succulents, agave plants will rot when grown in cold, wet soil, so it is best to avoid planting them in areas where water pools after watering or rainfall. When moving and planting agaves, try sticking wine corks on the spiny leaf tips to prevent accidental injury.
Why is "agave dermatitis" unknown?
I predict it won't be for long. My ex merely itched. Greg M., who sent me an email earlier this week, said his skin felt like it was on fire. In Greg's case, the skin turned red and blistered.
What to do?
I am not a medical practitioner. When in doubt, or if symptoms don't improve, contact your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. Both my ex and Greg M. washed the sap off immediately, and both were fine. And just as you would do whenever considering contact with a potentially harmful substance, first do a patch test. The Mayo Clinic explains how.
Let me (and others) know
In the comments below, I'd be grateful if you'd share any experiences you've had with agave removal and sap exposure. Thanks!
