This perennial succulent has fleshy blue-green lanced-shaped leaves in a rosette on a short twisted trunk and forms a rounded clump. The small green-yellow funnel-shaped flowers appear in a long tapering cluster on a tall stem from winter to spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Agave attenuata is naturally found in North America growing in central and western Mexico growing in small colonies from an altitude of 1,900m to 2,500m (6,200 to 8,200 ft) and is rare in it native habitat.

It prefers a very well drained sandy soil that is moist and moderately fertile in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is light frost and drought resistant.

The Century Plant is grown for its attractive leaves and its clumping habit. It is planted in rockeries or along borders as a specimen or in group plantings tolerating exposed positions. It is also grown in patio pots and planter boxes, tolerating neglect and is mass planting on embankments. It is quick growing and establishes in 1 to 3 years suckering freely. ID 288

Agave(a-GAH-vee ) attenuata (a-ten-ew-AH-ta)

Agavaceae (ah-gav-AY-see-ee)