Century Plant (Agave americana): Majestic Rosette for Arid Landscapes

The century plant (Agave americana), also known as American aloe or maguey, forms a massive, symmetrical rosette of thick, blue-green, spiny-edged leaves that can span 6–10 feet. The name "century plant" refers to its long lifespan before flowering—typically 10–30 years, not a century.

Flowering

When it blooms, the plant sends up a towering flower stalk 15–30 feet tall, branched with yellow-green flowers. After flowering, the main rosette dies, but it usually produces offsets (pups) at the base that continue the colony.

Culture

Full sun, extremely well-drained soil. Highly drought- and heat-tolerant. Sharp terminal spines and marginal teeth require careful placement away from walkways. Hardy in zones 8–11 (some cultivars to zone 7). Excellent for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and large containers.

Taxonomy

• Family: Agavaceae (Asparagaceae)
• Genus: Agave
• Species: americana
• Synonyms: Agave americana subsp. americana, Agave complicata, Agave altissima