INTRODUCTION

The Agave Americana Palm has no trunk at all, and displays large, dramatic leaves. The leaves typically measure up to six-feet long, and 10-inches wide at full growth. As with most desert palms, the Agave Americana is drought-tolerant and thrives in full-sun environments.

Due to its short stature and rough exterior, the Agave Americana has been used often as fencing in areas where protection is imperitive. It is also very useful in rock and cactus gardens. One planted, the Agave Americana should only be watered during the summertime, and should be given room to grow as they can become very large, and have very sharp spines. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Botanical Name: Agave Americana
Pronunciation: uh-GAW-vee uh-mair-rick-KAY-nuh
Common Name(s): Century Plant
Family: Agavaceae
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 through 11
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: native to North America
Uses: border; accent; mass planting
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the
region to find the plant

USE AND MANAGEMENT

Century Plant does best in full sun but can adapt to some shade. After 10 years or more (though not a century), a lofty flower spike is produced, sometimes reaching a height of 20 feet, with terminal panicles of pale yellow to white blooms. The plant dies after blooming. The plant is typically used in residences as a free-standing specimen, not planted in mass. Due to its large size, most residences only need one of these. Larger commercial landscapes have room for multiple mass plantings which can create a dramatic impact.

Century Plant is propagated by detaching the well-rooted suckers appearing at the base, or by plantlets formed on the flower spike.

 

Pests

No pests are of major concern.

Diseases

No diseases are of major concern.