Yellow-green, succulent rosettes of lechuguilla grow to a height of 1 to 2 feet and readily produce offshoots. The thick, leathery leaves are lined with sharp spines along the edges. It takes 12-15 years for the lechuguilla to accumulate enough nutrients for the tall flower stalk, which can increase to 15 feet. Due to its unbranched and flexible nature, the stalk often bends under the weight of buds or flowers, maintaining a graceful arc. The upper portion of the stalk is covered in purple or yellowish flowers. After producing flowers and seeds, the stalk dies.

During the early exploration of the Southwest, this resilient plant presented a significant hazard. The sharp leaves could pierce a horse's leg, and a rider could be impaled if they fell. In most cases, horses familiar with the terrain can avoid it.

In the case of lechuguilla, the succulent, yellow-green rosettes readily produce offshoots. The branches have thick, leathery leaves tipped with sharp spines. After 8-20 years, a cluster of yellow to pinkish-white flowers blooms on a stalk rising from the center of the rosette. Once the plant sets fruit, it dies. Agaves like this are often cultivated in rock gardens and are tolerant of poor, acidic soil.