Century Plant

Agave americana, the century plant or maguey, forms a bold evergreen rosette of blue-green, fleshy leaves edged with sharp teeth and tipped with a spine. It is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, where its sculptural form suits spacious dry gardens, rock gardens, and sunny slopes. ## Form and landscape use Allow ample clearance around the mature rosette and keep it away from paths and play areas. Published dimensions vary with climate and growing conditions: sources describe leaf rosettes roughly 6–10 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide, with some species profiles giving about 6 feet tall. A mature plant may send up a branched flowering stalk 15–30 feet tall or more, but the stalk’s height is separate from the rosette’s landscape size. The pale greenish-yellow flowers can provide nectar for insects, birds, and bats. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun and sandy or otherwise sharply drained soil. It tolerates dry periods after establishment and is suited to low-water landscapes, but wet soil can lead to root rot. The century plant is generally suited to USDA Zones 8–11; cold tolerance varies with site and exposure. It may take roughly 8–30 years to flower. The main rosette usually dies after flowering, while offsets at the base can continue growing. ## Maintenance Keep sharp leaves clear of foot traffic and wear gloves when handling; sap may irritate skin. Remove spent lower leaves as needed, and avoid excess moisture around the roots. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/agave-americana/), [UF/IFAS Extension](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/century-plant/), and [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319063-2) support its identity, growing needs, and regional dimensions.