Flower Leaf
Lechuguilla (Agave lecheguilla)

Description
Lechuguilla is a member of the same genus (Agave) as the century plant. Each plant consists of a crown bearing 20 to 30 thick, fleshy leaves 1 to 1 ½ inches wide and 12 to 14 inches long. The leaves bend upwards; they have prickles on the margins and terminate in a sharp spine. When a plant is 10 to 15 years old, it flowers once, then dies. The flower stalk produced at this time is 6 to 12 feet tall. New plants are formed from seed or by offsets from the parent plant.

Distribution and Habitat
Lechuguilla is found in western Texas, southern New Mexico, and south into Mexico. It is prominent on dry hills, hillsides and limestone hills, in dry valleys, and in bordering canyons. It is especially abundant in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas.
Regions: 7, 10.

Toxic Agent
Sheep and goats are poisoned most frequently under range conditions. Cattle are poisoned somewhat less frequently, although this plant can be a serious problem to cattle during periods of extended drought. Horses are not known to be poisoned. Lechuguilla poisoning is thought to be the combined action of two photodynamic toxins, one of which is a saponin. Sheep and goats experimentally fed as little as 1 percent of their body weight of lechuguilla leaf developed symptoms of photosensitization in less than a week, and death from the effects of liver and kidney damage in 1 to 2 weeks.

Livestock Symptoms
Under range conditions the first symptoms observed are generally:

• listlessness and lack of effort to keep up with the flock or herd
• decrease in water and food consumption and eventually a complete loss of appetite
• progressive weakness and emaciation
• a short period of coma just before death
• jaundice
• golden yellow to orange skin and mucous membranes
• yellow secretion from the eyes and nostrils
• urine occasionally port wine in color
• photosensitization with swelling of the face and ears

  Post-mortem examination of affected animals may reveal swollen greenish to black kidneys.

Integrated Management Strategies
When poisoning occurs, animals should be removed from pastures where lechuguilla grows. Animals with symptoms of poisoning should be placed in the shade and given good quality water and feed. Animals with severe jaundice usually die. Since lechuguilla poisoning generally occurs when other more desirable forage is lacking, any range management practice that improves range condition will help decrease losses. Proper mineral supplementation, especially with phosphorous, is also desirable. Plants along trails and in shipping traps should be removed, especially when hungry livestock are being trailed or held for shipping. Lechuguilla is not easily controlled with herbicides. Grubbing does provide good control, but is not practical for large areas.

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