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American aloe

Agave americana

ah-GAH-vay ah-mer-ih-KAY-nah

This plant has a rosette of broad sword-like, succulent, gray-green leaves. It provides a statuesque presence for sunny dry sites and under glass. It’s also a classic plant for urns, thanks to the architectural splendor of its simple form.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsPlants die after flowering and fruiting, but leave behind off-sets to create new plants. Lethal-looking, dark needlelike spines at leaf tips and along margins encourage a cautious approach.

PropagationRemove offsets in spring or fall.

ProblemsScale insects and mealybugs on young growth; leaf blights and root rots in poorly drained soil.

  • Genus : Agave
  • Zones : 10, 11, 9
  • Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Type : Cacti and Succulents
  • Uses : Containers
  • Moisture : Dry
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Flower Color : White

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