Accession Count: 28
Common Name:
century plant
Family Name:
Asparagaceae
Botanical Name:
Agave americana
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Agave americana is a monocot plant, with an average life span of 10-25 years which grows to form a basal rosette. Its leaves are blue-green and are extremely drought tolerant. They have downward curving teeth which line the edges and the tip of each leaf has a hard spine (2,3,4). On average this plant grows to about 7 feet tall, 8 feet wide and is hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is native to the Chihuahua Desert as well as the American southwest. It is a monocarp, meaning it flowers only once (5). It produces yellow flowers from a stock that can be as tall as 20 feet. Once boomed, the plant will stop growing and begin to die, starting with necrosis of the leaves.
Compound:
Aga ame
Geographic Origin:
North America
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Native to the arid Chihuahua desert and the southwest United States, this species has been vastly utilized by natives; particularly the Aztec Empire. Due to the carbon dating of fossils, it is believed that as early as 8000 years ago the Aztecs were eating the leaves of the Agave Americana (7). The Aztecs would find other uses for the plant which included tool making, and the concoction of ceremonious drinks (6). During the 19th century Spaniards would introduce the species to Spain (7). Now the species is widespread, appearing in many places far from its origin and providing a unique ornamental decoration. In addition, the plant is used to make alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mescal and pulque (6).
Cultivation Notes:
This plant does well in the alkaline dry soils of the southwest as long as there is adequate drainage. It grows with full sun exposure and tolerates reflected light, however having a source of afternoon shade is known to increase vigor. During the long dry periods of summer this plant should be watered once a month to a depth of 3 feet (5, 3). Watering once a month will increase the vigor of the plant. Signs of a lack of water are flattened, yellowing or soft leaves. Several species are in cultivation (2). In the desert southwest it is best to plant this species in September. In addition, owners should be concerned about the snout weasel. This beetle bores into Agaves to lay its egg. It particularly targets older Agaves due to their softer leaves. If infested the plant should be removed so that others are not infected. There are no known parasites to treat the snout weasel (7). Lastly, the primary means of propagation is through the transplant of the pups which the Agave americana will continually produce throughout its life.
Ethnobotany:
Agave americana has
been used as a source of medicine, fiber, building materials, and food products.
Its medicinal properties are believed to be effective in treating a variety of ailments
including ulcers and inflammation of the digestive system and to encourage the
healing of cuts and wounds. Its fibers have been used to create rope or hemp,
particularly in the Aztec history. This rope has been used to create other tools
and the plant itself has been used to form barriers, deterring intruders with
its tough spins (6). As an edible, agave provides stems which can be eaten; the
leaves have been known to be roasted for consumption for the past 8000 years (6).
Sap is used to create pulque and mezcal, both of which are alcoholic drinks
with a rich history in Aztec religious traditions (6). The sap has also been
used to create syrup which is a popular commodity today. Additionally, tequila
can be made from the leaves of the Agave
americana (6). With such a
variety of uses it is easy to look past one of the most common uses of the Agave Americana, which is its use as a
unique decorative plant. This plant is a popular accent plant in places all
over the world due in part to its monocarpic behavior, low water cost and
beauty.
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
ForeSummer
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
