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Products > Agave americana   Agave americana - Century Plant    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Agavaceae (Agaves) Origin: Mexico (North America) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Yellow Green Bloomtime: Infrequent Height: 4-8 feet Width: 6-12 feet Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes Deer Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F May be Poisonous  (More Info): Yes Agave americana (Century Plant) - A large agave (to over 6 feet tall) with long gray glaucus leaves that have recurved spines on the margins and a long terminal spine. Yellow-green flowers attract hummingbirds, however the Century Plant doesn't bloom until it is a decade or so old (not a century!) and the flowering plant dies after flowering. Plant in full sun. Irrigate occasionally to not at all. Cold hardy to 15 degrees F. This is a large dramatic plant but care must be exercised when choosing to plant; Give it plenty of room and situate it away from traffic. Good on a hillside. Use extreme care when working around or trimming any Agave. Not only are the spines wicked and cause a painful swelling if one is poked, but the sap of many species is caustic. Many a person has regretted using a chainsaw, which throws the juices back at the user, to trim an agave.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.     [MORE INFO]