Hedgehog Agave (Agave stricta) is a compact, spherical succulent known for its dense rosette of slender, rigid, needle-like leaves that radiate symmetrically from a central point. The leaves are gray-green to bluish in color and often tipped with sharp, reddish-brown spines, giving the plant its namesake “hedgehog” appearance.

Native to the dry regions of Puebla and Oaxaca in southern Mexico, Agave stricta thrives in arid scrublands and rocky hillsides. It is sometimes referred to as “Rigid Agave” due to its stiff foliage. Unlike many other agaves, it remains relatively small, making it a popular architectural accent in rock gardens and desert-themed plantings. While it rarely flowers, when it does, the plant sends up a tall stalk with small reddish-purple blooms. Following the bloom, like most agaves, it will typically die, but not before producing several offsets, allowing for natural propagation. It is admired for its symmetry, resilience, and sculptural form.