Agave americana "Marginata"
"Variegated Century Plant"

     Thought to originate in eastern Mexico, Agave americana is one of the largest of the genus achieving a spread of ten feet. It is called Century Plant because of the mistaken notion that it takes a hundred years to reach flowering size. In truth they can flower in as little as 15 years. After flowering the rosette slowly dies, but usually pups are produced that guarantee the plants continuing legacy.
     This one is about 14 inches across and beautifully variegated. It came from a friend in Phoenix and goes in the ground this summer. Xenomorf and Geoff Stein who calls himself Palmbob, are both fellow members of the Davesgarden.com gardening forums. They have both allowed me to use the pictures below on the site. Thanks guys :-) Also check out galleries of their other pictures in the Galleries/Friends section.

Closeup of the beautiful variegation by Geoff

A closer view of a toothier one by Xenomorph

A very old plant flowering by Geoff

Closeup of the flowers by Geoff