Century Plant Agave americana

American century plant is a rosette-forming herbaceous perennial succulent in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).  The common name arose because it was once thought it took 100 years for the plant to flower. 

This plant prefers full sun in well-drained sandy soils but will adapt to other well-drained soils. It can get quite large, up to 10 feet with large spiny leaves so choose your planting site carefully. Propagation can be done with seeds and offsets. Remove lower leaves as needed.

It can take 10-25 years to bloom but once it does flower the main plant dies. When it blooms, it sends up a single flowering stalk from the center of the leaves reaching 15-30' tall or more. The flowering stalk resembles a narrow telephone pole with horizontal branching near the top. Greenish-yellow flowers (each to 3-4" long) bloom in panicles at the branch ends. As the plant is flowering, vegetative offsets appear at the base of the plant. The thick large leaves grow in a rosette and add year-round interest.

Its striking sculptural form makes it a great specimen or accent plant for a winter or drought-tolerant garden. It can also be used on slopes and in rock gardens.  This plant is highly salt.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Agave weevil can be troublesome. Slugs and snails may damage foliage. Root rot may occur, particularly in poorly drained or overly moist soils.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Agave.