Century Plant
Agave americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Agave americana is a large succulent native to Arizona and Texas that blooms once in summer with tall yellow flower spikes. This drought-tolerant Century Plant requires full sun and attracts bees during its spectacular June through August flowering period.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Century Plant as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
48"–72" H × 36"–60" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, TX
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Century Plant is a dramatic architectural succulent with thick, blue-gray leaves arranged in a striking rosette pattern. This slow-growing agave can take 10-30 years to bloom, producing a spectacular tall flower spike before the plant dies and is replaced by offspring.
Growing Century Plant
Grow Century Plant in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 48 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Century Plant takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The impressive summer flower spike attracts bees and other pollinators with its abundant nectar. The plant also provides nesting sites for desert birds.
Common questions
- When does Agave americana bloom?
- Agave americana blooms during summer months from June through August, producing tall yellow flower spikes that can reach 20-40 feet in height.
- Where is Agave americana native?
- Agave americana is native to Arizona and Texas in the southwestern United States, thriving in desert and arid grassland environments.
- What pollinators visit Century Plant flowers?
- Bees are the primary pollinators of Agave americana, attracted to the nectar-rich flowers on the tall flowering stalks.
- How much water does Agave americana need?
- Century Plant has low water requirements and is highly drought tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping in arid climates.
- Is Century Plant toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Century Plant as toxic to livestock.
- Is Century Plant HOA-friendly?
- Century Plant takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Century Plant fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.