Other Names: Maguey, American Aloe, American Century Plant, Mexican Soap Plant

With its striking sculptural form this American native succulent perennial plant makes for a great specimen or accent in the landscape in USDA Zones 8a to 11. Similar in appearance to the aloe plant but much larger, American Agave, also commonly know as Century Plant, forms a large rosette 3 to 6 feet tall and wide of up to 70 stemless, long, fleshy grey-green leaves, spatulate to oblanceolate in shape.  At one time, it was thought that this plant bloomed every 100 years, hence the common name, but it actually blooms more like every 15 to 25 years. When it does, a telephone pole like flower stalk emerges from the center of the plant rising to heights of 15 to 30 feet. At the top of this stalk is a large cluster of greenish yellow 3 to 4 inch long flowers. Grow this living wonder in a well-draining site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. It is highly tolerant of salt so is great for planting in coastal gardens.

Agave americana is one of the main species in the genus for making the drink 'mezcal', a distilled alcoholic beverage that is very popular in Mexico and is also exported. A true multipurpose plant, providing food, medicine and many commodities for the people who live in the native habitats where it grows naturally in abundance. It is also used to produce a syrup, which is traded internationally. And, of course, it's highly prized as a hardy ornamental plant in USDA Zones 8a-11.