Century Plant

In a recent issue about wildflowers, some personality was asked what his favorite flower was. He replied: “Century Plant”. For some reason this took me completely by surprise. Of all the really beautiful, colorful wildflowers around us, who in the world would have selected “Century Plant”? The personality went on to explain that this plant reminded him of his native Mexico. I forgot what other reasons there might have been.

That selection did, however, prompt me to think about these plants. In our area, they are dramatic, rather common, tough, and, when in bloom, perhaps even spectacular. I have since learned that one category these plants fall into is “Architectural plants”.

Century plants are in the family called Agavaceae, or, as we often hear, agaves. This particular agave is Agave Americana. It is a succulent, stemless plant with sword-shaped leaves up to three feet long with dangerous spine tips. Hooked spines also grow along the edges of the leaves. Eventually sometimes after 10 and up to 20 or 40 years (hence the name “Century Plant”), the plant will send a long stalk up to 25 feet covered with cream-colored blossoms crammed along the stem. Quite an eyecatcher! After the blooms die back, the plant itself dies. Usually plant offshoots will have sprouted.

Century plants are very decorative. They can be dramatic accent plants along gate entryways. They also are very much at home on rocky slopes, hillsides, and in landscaped beds. Be sure they are not planted too close to pedestrian walkways. Also, be sure you really want one of these plants as its bulk and spines make it difficult to remove.

Written by Martha Knies