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thorncrest century plant
Scientific Name: Agave univittata
Family: Agavaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb, Shrub, Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Agave lophantha: The Thorncrest Century Plant
Discover the intriguing Agave lophantha, commonly known as the Thorncrest Century Plant, a captivating addition to gardens in suitable climates.
Considerations for Pets
- The leaves have sharp spines on their margins and tips.
Considerations for Children
- The leaves have sharp spines on their margins and tips.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Agave lophantha
- Common Names: Thorncrest Century Plant, Maguey mezortillo, Center Stripe Agave, Thorn-Crest Agave, Thorn-Crested Agave
- Family: Agavaceae (now often classified under Asparagaceae)
- Synonyms: Agave univittata (sometimes used, but see notes on hybrids)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Chihuahuan Desert, specifically from south Texas into Chihuahua, and the Gomez Farias area of Tamaulipus, Mexico.
- Found in Mexico and the Southern USA, and coexists with deciduous oak forests.
Morphology and Growth
- Forms colonies of small plants.
- Reaches approximately 3 feet in width.
- Features stiff leaves with a light stripe down the center.
- Produces a single flower stalk that can reach 10 feet tall, typically in the spring or summer, after which the plant dies.
- Flowers are light green to yellow.
Ecological Role
- When Agave univittata (sometimes considered a synonym or closely related species) and lechuguilla habitats overlap, intermediate forms or hybrids are sometimes observed.
Cultivation
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-10
- Prefers full sun or part shade.
- Heat tolerant and hardy to 15°F (-9°C).
- Drought-tolerant.
- Requires watering 2-3 times per week during the growing season.
- Good for container gardening.
Quirky Facts
- While commonly called a "century plant," Agave lophantha, like other agaves, doesn't actually take a century to bloom. It typically flowers after a shorter period, depending on environmental conditions.
Further Resources
- Plant Delights Nursery offers a variety of perennials, including the Thorncrest Century Plant.
- Garden Guides provides information on the Thorncrest Century Plant (Univittata) and gardening tips.
- Getty Images offers high-resolution photos of the Thorncrest Century Plant.
- PLANTS Database (USDA) provides data on introduced, invasive, and noxious plants.