American Century Plant
Agave americana
Also listed as Agave spectabilis, Aloe americana
Also known as Century Plant, Spreading Century Plant, American Agave
Climate Match for your location
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A dramatic succulent with thick, gray-green sword-like leaves arranged in a rosette, producing a tall flowering spike only once at maturity before dying. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for arid gardens and containers.
Why grow it
Agave americana is notably larger and more cold-hardy than many tender agave species, making it suitable for a wider range of climates in temperate regions where other agaves struggle. Its dramatic architectural form and minimal water requirements once established offer substantial visual impact with minimal maintenance compared to more demanding ornamentals. The plant's long lifespan and ability to produce numerous offsets make it valuable for a low-input landscape where you want multi-year presence without replanting.
Watch out for
The leaf margins and tips are extremely sharp and can cause serious lacerations; site the plant away from high-traffic areas and consider pruning lower leaves if near walkways. Flowering typically occurs after 10 to 30 years depending on growing conditions, and the massive inflorescence requires substantial space overhead. In mild climates where plants persist long-term, the large basal rosette can gradually encroach on surrounding garden space as offset plants develop.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mexico
Native to: Arizona, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A dramatic succulent with thick, gray-green sword-like leaves arranged in a rosette, producing a tall flowering spike only once at maturity before dying. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for arid gardens and containers.
Climate Match for your location
See how well American Century Plant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Agave americana is notably larger and more cold-hardy than many tender agave species, making it suitable for a wider range of climates in temperate regions where other agaves struggle. Its dramatic architectural form and minimal water requirements once established offer substantial visual impact with minimal maintenance compared to more demanding ornamentals. The plant's long lifespan and ability to produce numerous offsets make it valuable for a low-input landscape where you want multi-year presence without replanting.
Watch out for
The leaf margins and tips are extremely sharp and can cause serious lacerations; site the plant away from high-traffic areas and consider pruning lower leaves if near walkways. Flowering typically occurs after 10 to 30 years depending on growing conditions, and the massive inflorescence requires substantial space overhead. In mild climates where plants persist long-term, the large basal rosette can gradually encroach on surrounding garden space as offset plants develop.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Mexico
Native to: Arizona, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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