A. potatorum is a dwarf succulent belonging to the Agavaceae botanical family. The plant is solitary and produces offsets and forms a small clump. The plant produces a dense rosette of leaves. The leaves are thick, fleshy, obovate, pale bluish green in color with whitish edges, largest at the base and narrow at the tip. The apex of the leaves bears a sharp and thick reddish spine. In the variety mediopicta alba the leaves have a lighter stripe in the center.

The Mesoamerican civilizations have long exploited the agave properties: it was used to get drinks, syrups, animal feed, textile fibers, medicinal packs. Some of these uses are still standing: the tequila, for example, is made by Agave Blue.