Agave shawii flowers
Perhaps the most emblematic plant of northwest Baja California is the Coast Agave, Agave shawii. These plants grow for years, patiently storing energy in their base, and then in one grand exertion, flower, fruit and die.

Their colors of the stalks define the seasons, first deep purple before they flower, then with brilliant yellow flowers, followed by a final flash of the most intense orange as they finish their lives, and make space for their seeds to germinate.