Asparagaceae

Agave americana

Common Names: Century plant.

Plant Form: Large succulent rosette herb or shrub. Size: Rosette up to 2 m tall and 4 m wide. Flowering stem reaching up to 8 m high. Stem: Main stem very short and woody, flower stem non-woody and elongated. Leaves: Fleshy and bluish or greyish green, up to 2 m long, with serrated and prickly edges. Sometimes variegated depending on cultivar. Flowers: Flowers Many branched clusters of 7-10 cm long upright yellow or greenish-yellow flowers with 6 petals. On a very long upright stem. Fruit and Seeds: Large oblong capsule 3.5-8 cm long with a pointed tip, green maturing to brown or blackish, containing black shiny seeds. Habitat: Roadsides, pastures, woodlands, riparian areas, old gardens. Distinguishing Features: Generally has larger leaves with larger prickles than other Agave (Agave species).