SafePlants

Agave toumeyana: Toumey's Century Plant

Agave toumeyana, commonly known as Toumey's Century Plant, is a distinctive agave species found in specific regions of the southwestern United States.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Many sources describe *Agave toumeyana* as having sharp leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agave toumeyana Trel. ex Standl.
• Common Names: Toumey's Century Plant, Toumey Agave, Desert Century Plant, Desert Agave
• Family: Agavaceae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species and Variety
• Synonyms:
  • Agave toumeyana ssp. bella (Breitung) Gentry
• Varieties:
  • Agave toumeyana var. bella Breitung
  • Agave toumeyana var. toumeyana
• Alternative names mentioned: American aloe, Arizona agave, Arizona century plant, bald agave, blue tequila agave, thorncrest century plant, thread-leaf agave, Fairy-ring agave, Miniature Century Plant.

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found in Arizona, specifically at elevations over 1200 meters.
• Typically grows within chaparral environments, above the typical Sonoran Desert.

Morphological Characteristics

• Described as a subshrub forb/herb with a perennial duration.
• Forms dense rosettes, typically growing to about 1 foot by 1 foot.
• The variety bella is noted for being smaller, with shorter, more uniform leaves and denser rosettes.
• The plant develops in an erect manner and can become tree-like as it matures.
• Freely-offsetting, meaning it readily produces new plantlets.

Quirky Facts

• Toumey's Century Plant is so called because it was named after botanist Toumey and because century plants were once thought to only flower after 100 years of growth.
• The variety bella is considered "super cute" due to its smaller size and denser rosettes.

Additional Information

• This plant is part of the Native Plant Materials Development Program.
• More information can be found through Plant Delights Nursery and Garden Guides.