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Arizona century plant
Scientific Name: Agave ×arizonica
Family: Agavaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb, Shrub, Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Century Plant: A Desert Marvel
The term "century plant" refers to several species within the Agave genus, particularly those in the Agavaceae family, although the common name can be misleading.
Considerations for Pets
- Large clumps of fleshy strap-shaped leaves.
- Hooked margins on leaves (as mentioned in the description of Agave americana).
Considerations for Children
- Large clumps of fleshy strap-shaped leaves.
- Hooked margins on leaves (as mentioned in the description of Agave americana).
Quirky Facts
- Despite its common name, the "century plant" typically lives only 10 to 30 years.
- The "century plant" doesn't bloom every 100 years; it blooms once in its lifetime and then dies.
- One source humorously refers to the plant as the "Cowboy Killer."
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Several species within the Agave genus are known as century plants, including Agave americana, Agave palmeri, Agave chrysantha, Agave schottii and Agave parryi.
- Common Names: Century plant, American aloe, Palmer's Century Plant, Palmer's Agave, Arizona agave, Arizona century plant, Goldenflower Century Plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Agavaceae
- Order: Monocotyledon
- Synonyms: For Agave arizonica, J.H. Weber s.n.
Distribution and Habitat
- Originally native to Mexico and parts of the United States, including Arizona and Texas.
- Agave palmeri is native to southeastern Arizona and southern New Mexico.
- Found in upland habitats.
Ecological Role
- Can be introduced and invasive in certain environments.
Morphological Characteristics
- Most of its life is spent as a rosette.
- Agave americana has large clumps of fleshy, strap-shaped leaves that can grow up to 6 feet long with hooked margins.
- Flowers grow on a large asparagus-like stalk emerging from the center of the plant, reaching 15 to 30 feet tall, with yellow flowers.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bees are attracted to the flowers.
Additional Information
- Seen at the Desert Botanic Garden in Phoenix, Arizona.
- Mentioned in "A Field Guide to the Plants of Arizona" by Anne Orth Epple, 1995, Falcon Press.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum internet site.
- Search the PLANTS Web site for more information.