century plants
ExplorePlants
century plants
Agave
Century plants are unique plants that can live for many years, sometimes up to 30! They have thick, spiky leaves and grow tall flower stalks when they bloom.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The century plant has a large, striking rosette of thick, fleshy leaves, typically blue-green to gray-green, edged with sharp spines and a terminal spike. After many years, it produces a towering flower stalk with clusters of yellow-green flowers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsparagaceaeGenusAgave
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Ancient peoples used the plant's sharp leaf tips as ready-made needles for sewing!
Despite their name, most century plants bloom after 10-30 years, not 100!
Some species grow their giant flower stalk incredibly fast, over a foot a day!
The core of some century plants can be roasted to make a sweet, edible treat!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Tank Leaves
Century plants have thick, succulent leaves that store precious water, helping them survive long, dry periods in the desert.
Ability
Spiky Shield
Their stiff leaves are armed with sharp spines along the edges and a formidable tip, which helps defend them from hungry animals.
Ability
One Grand Finale
Century plants grow for many years and save all their energy for one spectacular flowering event before they produce seeds and die.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 100-1000 cm
- Spread
- 50-300 cm
- Flower Size
- 3-5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to Fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bat
Ecological connections
pollinates
lesser long-nosed bat
Leptonycteris curasoae
nectar-rich flowers
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
eats
human
Homo sapiens
food, drink, fiber, medicine
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Also known as
American AgaveCentury Plant
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful around the sharp leaves of century plants; it's best to admire them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is century plants?
100-1000 cm
How wide does century plants spread?
50-300 cm
How big are the flowers on century plants?
3-5 cm
When does century plants bloom?
Summer to Fall
Is century plants edible?
Yes
Is century plants toxic?
Mild
What is century plants's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is century plants pollinated?
Bat
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