Native to Arizona, New Mexico and northern Mexico, Parry's agave produces larger leaves and rosettes than many of its sub-species. It consists of compact, nearly round rosettes of gray-green leaves that grow 7-20 inches in length. Leaves have marginal teeth as well as a stout tooth on the tip. Parry's agave, purchased as a single specimen, ultimately forms colonies of many offsets. The mother plant will bloom once, usually during the summer, then die. There are a number of varieties of Parry's agave including Agave parryi v. huachucensis,Agave parryi v. couseii and Agave parryi v. truncata. Because of its compact size, its low water use and low maintenance, Parry's agave makes an excellent accent plant for landscapes in Arizona.

Parry's agave has a slow growth rate and requires little to no water. This agave does best in full sun or filtered sunlight. Little maintenance is required when plants are given ample room to spread. Water Parry's agave every two weeks in the summer in low zones; every month in the higher elevations. Water sparingly during the winter in all zones. Parry's agave is susceptible to the agave snout weevil and, in case of infestation, it should be treated approprately.