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American century plant
Scientific Name: Agave americana ssp. americana var. americana
Family: Agavaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Agave americana: The Century Plant
Agave americana, commonly known as century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a striking plant often mistaken for a colossal aloe. Despite its name, the century plant typically lives only 10 to 30 years, though it blooms after a long dormancy, sometimes 10 years or even up to 40. This plant is the very definition of a late bloomer.
Considerations for Pets
- Agave americana possesses sharp leaf tip spines.
Considerations for Children
- Agave americana possesses 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 agave, Mexican soap plant, Blue Agave, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe.
- Family: Agavaceae (agave Family) (also listed as Asparagaceae in some sources).
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species, with at least one subspecies identified (Agave americana subsp. americana).
- Synonyms: Maguey americano (Spanish).
Distribution and Habitat
Agave americana originated in the wild desert areas of Central America and particularly in Mexico. It is now naturalized in many parts of the world, including the southern US, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and even southern California where it's sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Ecological Role
In some regions, such as Australia, Agave americana has become naturalized. It is also listed as introduced and invasive on the PLANTS Web site.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Large, beautiful agave.
- Grey, sharp-tipped, strap-like leaves which form rosettes about 1.8 m wide.
- Height ranges by species; Agave americana can grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8. Heights of 5′ – 7′ have been reported.
- Greenish flowers on a tall stalk.
Other Information
- Used commercially in Mexico to produce liquors.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Agave americana.
- Dave's Garden offers a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- PLANTS Web site.
- Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation.