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American century plant
Scientific Name: Agave americana ssp. americana
Family: Agavaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Agave americana: The Century Plant
Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a striking plant often mistaken for a colossal aloe. Despite its name, the century plant typically lives for only 10 to 30 years, though it is known for its late blooming habits, sometimes taking 40 years or more to flower.
Considerations for Pets
- Agave americana has sharp leaf tip spines.
Considerations for Children
- Agave americana has sharp leaf tip spines.
- Contact with the fresh sap can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Agave americana L.
- Common Names: Century Plant, Maguey, American Aloe, American Century Plant, Mexican Soap Plant, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe, Blue Agave.
- Family: Agavaceae (formerly), now Asparagaceae Juss.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, with at least one subspecies noted (Agave americana subsp. americana)
- Synonyms: Maguey americano (Spanish), American Agave (English)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical America, particularly Mexico and Central America, and the Southern US.
- Naturalized in many parts of the world, including Southern California, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
- Often found in dry and warmer regions.
Ecological Role
- Can be invasive in some regions, such as Australia.
Morphological Characteristics
- Large agave with sharp leaf tip spines.
- Grey, sharp-tipped, strap-like leaves form rosettes about 1.8 m wide.
- Known for its massive size.
- Flowers appear on a tall stalk after many years.
Traditional and Commercial Uses
- Commercially used in Mexico to produce liquors.
- Has been grown in Southern California as an ornamental plant.
Quirky Facts
- Despite being called the "century plant," it typically lives only 10 to 30 years.
- It is a late bloomer, sometimes taking 40 years or more to flower.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- PLANTS Web site (USDA)
- Calflora
- Dave's Garden
- Floridata Plant Profile
- American Nursery and Landscape Association