Agave

Agave (ah-GAH-vay)

Family: Asparagaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

This is a Genus of about 200 perennial plants in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) native to desert areas of Mexico and the Southwestern United States known as century plants. The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek meaning "illustrious, noble." They grow in various sizes, some becoming very large up to 10 feet tall and 15 feet wide. They require full sun and sharply drained sandy soils. Some reproduce by plant offsets, some by rhizomes and they can also be started from seeds or bulbils. The plant grows in a rosette of thick fleshy leaves and most have sharp teeth along the margins and a sharp spine at the tip. The plants can take 5-60 years to produce a tall stalk from the center of the rosette with multiple white tubular flowers that produce large amounts of nectar. Most species will die the following season once the flower sets seed. Many species produce aerial bulbils or plantlets in the inflorescence. Some agaves are appropriate for the home garden. Use in a rock garden, for xeriscaping and drought tolerant gardens. Some are appropriate for containers and houseplants. Some varieties have sap that can cause contact dermatitis for some people. Quick ID: Rosette of fleshy, basal leaves Spines along the leaf margins and a large spine at the tip Tall spikes of flowers that bloom only once in the plant's life Additional Agave Images at Juniper Level Botanic Garden: Interspecific Hybrids Non-Variegated Cultivars Variegated Cultivars xMangave (Agave x Manfreda) Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: watch for the agave snout weevil, agave mite, mealy bugs and scale. Root rot can occur from too wet soils and overwatering. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 55 attributes.