Agave maximiliana
Grown frequently in the sierra of Jalisco, in the Western part of the state, the maximiliana is one of the bedrock agaves for Raicilla which is the local mezcal dating back to the 17th Century. It also grows in Sinaloa and Durango.Today it is used in many labels and is being cultivated.
Common Raicilla, Maximiliana, Lechuguilla, Manso, and Tecolote.
The needles at the end of the pencas are long and copper in color. Shorter needles surround each penca. It can grow up to eight meters tall or 25 feet and flowers from January to May. It reproduces only by seed.