Century Plant Flower

Did you know

• Despite the name, century plants typically bloom after 10 to 30 years—not 100—then die after their single spectacular flowering.
• The flower stalk can grow up to 30 feet tall and may shoot up at a rate of several inches per day.
• The stalk produces thousands of flowers that can yield up to 20 gallons of sweet sap, traditionally fermented into pulque.
• Before the stalk emerges, the plant's stored sugars can be roasted to make a sweet food—this is also the base for mezcal and tequila production.
• After flowering, the dying mother plant produces offsets called 'pups' at its base, ensuring the next generation.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental landscaping
• agave nectar production
• mezcal and tequila production