The ten species of Beschorneria form an interesting but little
known genus in the agave family (Agavaceae). Although several
Beschorneria have great garden potential, they remain
underutilized. In particular, Beschorneria rigida stands out as
a plant worthy of a prominent spot in many gardens. Each of the
ten Beschorneria species originate in Mexico, but their ranges
vary considerably. Beschorneria rigida is naturally found in the
understory of highland oak and pine forests from 6,000 to 8,000
feet elevation in the states of Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, and
Tamaulipas in central Mexico. They attract, and are pollinated
by, hummingbirds. All species of Beschorneria form rosettes of
succulent leaves. They display a wide variety in leaf color and
stature, from the eight-foot glaucus leaves of B. yuccoides
subsp. yuccoides to the bright green leaves of the trunk-forming
B. albiflora. The stature of Beschorneria rigida is ideal for
garden use; it sports mid-green sword-shaped leaves, one inch
wide by two feet long