SafePlants

Agave americana: The Century Plant

Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a striking plant often found in gardens and landscapes. Despite its name, it typically lives between 10 and 30 years, rather than a century.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has sharp leaf tip spines.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has sharp leaf tip spines.

Considerations for All

• Contact with the fresh sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Agave americana
• Common Names: Century plant, maguey, American aloe, Mexican soap plant, Blue Agave
• Family: Agavaceae (formerly), now sometimes classified under Asparagaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Maguey americano

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to tropical America, particularly Mexico and Central America.
• Naturalized in many parts of the world, including the southern US, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
• Often grown as an ornamental plant in regions like southern California.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Large, beautiful agave with sharp leaf tip spines.
• Grey, sharp-tipped, strap-like leaves forming rosettes, approximately 1.8 meters wide.
• Can reach heights of 5 to 7 feet, with a spread of around 6 feet.

Ecological Role

• Sometimes considered invasive, for example, it is naturalised in many parts of Australia.

Quirky Facts

• Despite being called the "century plant," it typically lives only 10 to 30 years.
• In some regions, it takes at least 10 years to flower.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Agave americana.
• PLANTS Database provides information on its status as an introduced, invasive, or noxious plant.
• Calflora provides information on California plants for education, research, and conservation.