American Agave

Agave virginica (ah-GAH-vay vir-JIN-i-ka)

Family: Asparagaceae Native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

American agave is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial, native but rare to North Carolina, that grows in all of the southern states, west to Texas and as far north as Illinois, as well as northeastern Mexico. It is found in sunny, well-drained areas in prairies, upland rocky glades, and sandy open woods. The genus name comes from the Ancient Greek meaning "illustrious, noble," having to do with very tall flower spikes The American Agave is easily grown in sandy to rocky well-drained garden soil in full sun to part shade and is very drought-tolerant The leaves of the American Agave appear in spring forming an attractive basal rosette and are reminiscent of aloe with their dark green, soft, succulent leaves. The inflorescence is unusual with the stamen protruding from the yellow-green tubular flowers, loosely arranged at the top of the stalk. The sweet, fruity fragrant flowers last from summer into fall. Unlike true agaves, the American Agave can bloom multiple times during its lifespan. The American Agave is only cross-pollinated by Sphinx moths, Noctuid moths, and bumblebees. Use this plant in rock, drought-tolerant, and native gardens as a specimen or accent. It can also be use in naturalized settings and on slopes Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: American Agave has no significant insect or disease problems; however, the larvae of the sphinx moth, which is the primary pollinator, is the tomato or tobacco hornworm caterpillar. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Agave .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.