Century Plant
Agave utahensis eborispina
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Pl. F64C — Agave utahensis eborispina
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IOverview
Overview
The Century Plant, scientifically known as Agave utahensis eborispina, is a perennial plant native to California and Nevada. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments. This agave species reaches heights of 4 meters and prefers light (sandy) or medium soil types. Known for its edible parts including leaves, root, sap, seed, and stem, the Century Plant is a valuable resource in areas where it grows. Its distinctive feature includes robust growth and resilience, contributing to its ornamental appeal despite not being primarily cultivated for this purpose.
Quick answers
What is Century Plant?
The Century Plant, scientifically known as Agave utahensis eborispina, is a perennial plant native to California and Nevada. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Century Plant (Agave utahensis eborispina) thrives in full sun and is suitable for gardeners in hardy zones 8-11. It prefers well-draining soil that can be either light (sandy) or medium and requires dry to moist conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This perennial reaches a height of up to 4 meters and is edible, with its leaves, root, sap, seed, and stem all being usable parts.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Century Plant for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple Century Plant to gain experience in caring for agaves.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy Agave utahensis eborispina plant, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Century Plant during spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is sandy and well-draining. If planting in a container, use a pot with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the Century Plant directly into the garden or a large container if you're growing it indoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid root rot. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and minimal watering, especially once established. Fertilize lightly in spring if needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance. Harvest the stem for culinary use when it reaches maturity.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootSapSeedStem
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:CraftingFibertextilesSoap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Nevada
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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