|
| Identification |
|
Genus
Agave
Species
americana
Variety
Cultivar
Common names
American aloe
agave
century plant
Family
AGAVACEAE
Specimen number
S11373
Data source
HtZn p71;MedPl p160
|
| Life cycle |
|
Life form
Terrestrial
Life cycle
Perennial
Life span
3 - 10 years
Annual cycle
Not applicable
Stature
Flower
Growth form
Not applicable
Growth habit
Various
Overall height
1' 6" - 40'
Overall spread
6'
|
| Climate |
|
Sunshine
Full sun
Water
Dry, well drained
Optimal soil texture
Sandy
Acceptable soil pH
Neutral
USDA hardiness
USDA zones 09a-11
AHS heat zones
Heat zones 12-05
Sunset climate zones
Not classified
|
| Garden |
|
Suitable for gardens
yes
Nursery
Unknown
Compost
no
Size at acquisition
Unknown
Garden location
Unknown
Garden notes
This somewhat tender plant can only survive cold winter nights that dip to 20� Fahrenheit. Agave americana needs summer days with high heat. The optimal soil texture for American aloe (also known as agave and century plant) is one that is sandy. Full sun is needed for this plant to do its best. It needs soil that is dry, well drained.
|
| Special qualities |
|
Tolerates drought
no
Tolerates high humidity
no
Tolerates seaside conditions
no
Insect resistant
no
Disease resistant
no
Deer resistant
no
Best uses
Symbiosis
Attracts butterflies
no
Attracts hummingbirds
no
Autumn foliage
no
Colorful berries
no
Desirable qualities
Other interest
Other interest color
Other interest period
|
| Adverse factors |
|
Common pests
Poisonous parts
Poisonous indications
Internal poison
no
Dermatologic poison
yes
Livestock poison
no
Mechanical injury
no
Hay fever pollen
Hay fever season
Adverse qualities
|
| Herbal medicine |
|
Medicinal properties
demulcent
laxative
antiseptic
Medicinal parts
Sap
Has medicinal uses
yes
Do not self-administer
no
Do no use if pregnant
no
Legally restricted
no
Toxicity precautions
It may irritate sensitive skin.
Medicinal notes
Agave americana is used as a traditional herbal remedy. It's used as a demulcent, a laxative and an antiseptic. Herbal remedies are only prepared from the sap. It may irritate sensitive skin.
|
| Traditional uses |
|
Parts used
Traditional uses
Contemporary uses
Fragrance
fragrant flowers
Fragrance parts
Flowers
Fragrance intensity
Fragrance category
Dye parts
Dye color
|
| Cultivation |
|
Propagule
Various
Pollination method
Planting style
Crop spacing
Row spacing
Cold frame
Planting period
Harvesting period
Frost tolerance
Heat requirement
Fertilizer
Typical
Time to harvest
|
| Nutrition |
|
Is edible
no
Culinary uses
Nutritional value
Edible parts
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture
|
| Horticulture |
|
Horticulture notes
|
| Herbarium |
|
Tag needs printing
no
Collection notes
Agave americana is a perennial. Leaves: American aloe (locally known in some parts as agave and century plant) has spiny topped fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes. Flowers: This plant has flowers at the ends of extremely tall stalks which occur only at the end of the plant's long life.
|
Page 142 of 4998
|
family 
