Attractive small agave from the Huasteco region, especially the Sierra Madre Oriental, in central Mexico. May grow on sheer rock faces, often in cloud forests. In contrast with most agaves, this plant may be perennial and can survive by axillary branching after it flowers, forming large clumps over time in cultivation. In habitat, due to rocky substrates, it is often unbranched and monocarpic.

Leaves are soft and fleshy. Teeth are relatively short and frequently (but not always) bicuspid. Inflorescences are unbranched and clavate, usually densely flowered. Flowers are green on the outside but may be various other colors on the inside. This plant is often shaded in habitat and tolerates part shade in cultivation.

Formerly (and often still) known as A. celsii; discussed by Gentry as such. A pale gray, glaucous plant called albicans (described as its own species and later lumped with celsii/mitis) also has distinct floral features, including larger tepals. Apparently the differences are not consistent enough to justify naming separate varieties (leading to their 2016 elimination), but the former variety name albicans is still used to sell plants with more glaucous leaves.

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