Century plant (agave) Agave americana
Century plant (agave) (Agave americana) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asparagaceae family, native to Mexico and southern Texas. It grows 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) tall and 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -9 °C (16 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
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Century plant (agave) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–2 m (3.9–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -9 °C (16 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: roasted heart, cooked flower buds |
| Native to | Mexico and southern Texas |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇱 Israel |
| Invasive in | South Africa (NEMBA listed invasive), Australia (environmental weed), Mediterranean Europe (naturalised): check local rules before planting |
Is Century plant (agave) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: sap, leaves
Sap contains calcium oxalate and saponins that irritate skin and cause vomiting; raw tissue is not edible.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Century plant (agave)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Century plant (agave) in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- The Huntington (8 plants)
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (5 plants)
- Gardens by the Bay (4 plants)
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (2 plants)
- Desert Botanical Garden (12 plants)
- Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden (4 plants)
- Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (4 plants)
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (4 plants)
- New York Botanical Garden (3 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (2 plants)
- Riverside botanical garden (1 plants)
Questions about Century plant (agave)
- How far apart should I plant Century plant (agave)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3.5 m (6.6–11 ft).
- Does Century plant (agave) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Century plant (agave) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Century plant (agave)?
- It tolerates about -9 °C (16 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Century plant (agave) flower?
- From about August for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Century plant (agave) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Sap contains calcium oxalate and saponins that irritate skin and cause vomiting; raw tissue is not edible.
- What grows well with Century plant (agave)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Century plant (agave). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Monocarpic: the rosette flowers once after 10 to 30 years, then dies, leaving pups. The flower stalk reaches 5 to 8 m. Sharp terminal spine and leaf-edge teeth are a safety hazard.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Adam's needle (yucca) Yucca filamentosa