Agave americana / Agave altissima – Century Plant, Maguey, American Aloe

Description

Agave americana, commonly known as the Century Plant, is a striking succulent from Mexico and the southwestern United States. Known for its large, rosettes of blue-green, sword-shaped leaves with spiny edges, this plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and spread even wider, making it a bold focal point in any landscape.

Highly drought-tolerant and resilient, Agave americana thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is most famous for its dramatic flowering event, after many years (not literally a century, but often 10 – 30 years), it produces a towering flower spike that can reach up to 8 meters tall, before the plant completes its life cycle.

In addition to its ornamental value, the plant has been traditionally used for its fibers and as a source of pulque, an ancient fermented beverage. It’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or container planting in warm climates.