Agave univittata, commonly known as Thorn-Crested Century Plant, is an evergreen succulent native to the semi-arid regions of Texas and northeastern Mexico, where it thrives in rocky outcrops and desert scrub environments. This plant typically forms a rosette of thick, fleshy leaves that are stiff and undulate along the margins, with sharp and prominent spines on the edges and tips, providing a formidable appearance. The leaves are a striking green with a pale stripe running down the center. When it flowers, which is rare and often after many years, it sends up a towering flowering stalk up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall, bearing greenish-white to yellowish-green flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.

The Thorn-Crested Century Plant is valued for its architectural form and is often used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. Its ability to withstand dry conditions and poor soils makes it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. The cultivar ’Quadricolor’ is particularly noted for its variegated foliage and has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate some shade and requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to agave snout weevil, which can cause damage to the core of the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0