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Palmer's century plant
Scientific Name: Agave palmeri
Family: Agavaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Agave palmeri: Palmer's Century Plant
Agave palmeri, commonly known as Palmer's Century Plant or Palmer's Agave, is a striking succulent native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant has stout, spear-like leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Agave palmeri
- Common Names: Palmer's Century Plant, Palmer's Agave, Century Plant, Maguey, Blue Century Plant
- Family: Asparagaceae (formerly Agavaceae)
- Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and areas of northern Mexico.
- Found in locations such as the Peloncillo Mountains in the bootheel of New Mexico.
- Grows well in zones 7-11.
Morphological Characteristics
- A perennial succulent.
- Considered the largest Agave species growing in the United States.
- Forms a tight rosette of succulent, stiff, green leaves.
- Can reach 8 to 20 feet in height and 4 to 8 feet in width.
- Grown for its foliage.
Historical Context and Traditional Uses
- Century plants such as this provided Native Americans in the Southwest with food, beverages, fiber, and soap.
Cultivation
- Prefers full sun to light shade.
- Requires little water in summer and should be kept dry in winter.
- Needs good drainage.
- Heat tolerant.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Pollinated by volant animals.
Further Information
- PLANTS Web site.
- Desert Botanical Garden of Phoenix.
- World of Succulents.
- Discover Life.