Blue agave

• Large rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that grows over 2m tall.
• Each leaf ends in sharp point.

• Prefers sandy soils in arid and semi-arid subtropical areas.

• No wild populations known to exist in Queensland, but is common in gardens.

• Each plant is monocarpic, flowering only once (at about 5 years).
• During flowering, a 'mast' (stem) up to 5m grows from plant's centre and bears many tubular, yellow flowers.
• Within its native range, blue agave is pollinated by a locally native bat (Leptonycteris nivalis), produces several thousand seeds per plant, then dies.
• Agave species do not appear to produce seeds in Australia, perhaps due to absence of suitable pollinators. Reproduction of agave species in Australia is believed to be restricted to vegetative reproduction.
• Specimens have been recorded living up to 50 years in gardens.

• No impacts at present in Queensland (potentially invasive).
• However, 10 closely related species have naturalised in Queensland.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

The general biosecurity obligation (GBO) requires a person to take reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks posed by agave. The best control for agave species incorporates integrated management strategies, including herbicides, mechanical and physical methods.

Physical control

• Dig out plants completely and burn or deep bury. Refer to the relevant local government or rural fire service for guidelines on lighting fires in your area.

Mechanical

• Mechanical control using machinery can quickly reduce the size of the infestation. Although agave can regrow from suckers, this is a slow process and so opportunity exists to push up the large plants and burn at a later stage.

Herbicide control

• Treatment with herbicides can be effective because the plants are relatively easy to find.
• Read the Agave fact sheet (PDF, 9.9MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

• Blue agave is not a prohibited or restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, by law, everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control.
• Local governments must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in their area. This plan may include actions to be taken on blue agave. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local government for more information.