American Century Plant

(Agave americana)

American Century Plant (Agave americana)

Yves Bas

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Yves Bas

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Agave americana, commonly known as American Century Plant, is an evergreen succulent native to arid and semi-arid regions in Mexico and Texas. It thrives in open grasslands and rocky outcrops, often in calcareous soils. This plant can reach a height and width of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and 6-10 feet (1.8-3.0 meters) respectively. Its gray-green leaves are long, ranging from 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), with prickly margins and a sharp terminal spine. The Century Plant is so named because of the misconception that it blooms once every hundred years; however, it typically lives for 10 to 30 years. Toward the end of its lifespan, it produces a towering flower stalk, up to 25-30 feet (8-9 meters) tall, with showy yellow blossoms.

The American Century Plant is valued for its sculptural form and is often used in modernist, drought-tolerant, and desert-style gardens. It is well-suited for xeriscaping and can make a dramatic statement in large containers. While it is low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering and able to tolerate a range of light conditions, it does need well-draining, sandy soil and a cooler winter resting period. It is prone to root rot if overwatered. In regions where it is not invasive, it can be used as an architectural feature or living fence. However, its potential for invasiveness should be considered before planting, as it can spread aggressively outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Succulent
Height: 3-6 feet
Width: 6-10 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Very Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Arid and semi-arid regions in Mexico and the southern United States, including Texas, open grasslands, and rocky outcrops

Other Names

Common Names: American Agave, Century-Plant, Garingboom, Hundert-Jährige Agave, Maguey, Agave, 용설란, 龍舌蘭, American Aloe, Amerikanische Agave

Scientific Names: , Agave americana, Aloe americana, Agave americana var. americana, Agave americana subsp. marginata, Agave americana subsp. mediopicta, Agave americana subsp. striata, Agave americana subsp. virginica, Agave rasconensis, Agave salmiana subsp. gracilispina

GBIF Accepted Name: Agave americana L.