Agave Species, American Century Plant, American Aloe, Maguey

On Jul 29, 2017, Stevebrain from Folsom, CA wrote:

This plant is a poisonous beast! It came with the house when I bought it 18 years ago. At first it was a small, nice looking addition to the landscape. Now it is huge and taking over my backyard. I went to trim it this morning not knowing it is poisonous. I was in shorts, tshirt and sandals and no gloves. After about 15 minutes I started to itch on my head, stomach and back. The itch turned into a fire. I jumped in the pool but that didn't help. Then took a shower and soaped everything down, then applied Benedryl cream. After about 40 minutes it's feeling a little less itchy, but I have read online that the itch and rash can continue for weeks, so not sure what to expect. My advice -- stay away from these monsters.

On Jan 9, 2016, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote:

This is a superb container plant, very easy to maintain here in the northeastern US (Boston Z6a). I use it for its sculptural/architectural form and blue color, with other succulents in containers outdoors, and it performs well with only rain for watering. Set in a border, it becomes a major focal point.

It will survive six months in a dark basement with no attention. In the spring, I remove the pups, cut off any dead leaves, hack off most of the rootball, let the cut surfaces callous, and repot in fresh potting soil. That's all the maintenance it needs, except occasionally to clip the terminal spines on new leaves.

It even sails through light frosts with no damage, if I'm slow to bring it in in the fall.

I pot it in a black plastic nursery pot,... read more and set it in a nice ceramic container as a cache-pot. This makes the annual repotting much easier, and doesn't put the nicer pot at risk of breaking when it gets potbound.

The sap has never caused me any trouble, but it's notorious for causing rashes on skin contact.

Many agaves sucker aggressively in the landscape even if the species isn't prone to suckering in the wild, because in the nurseries there's strong selective pressure for mother plants that produce pups prolifically.

On May 26, 2015, TucsonJohnW from Tucson, AZ wrote:

I have some of these plants on both sides of my house and in my backyard. I love it! I think it is beautiful and grows very easily. I have been told that the best way to grow this plant is to neglect it. That works well for me!

I have been in this house since 1997. I bought the house new. It was built by Del Webb builders. The landscaping contractors put one of these in the front yard. It quickly became infested with agave grubs and died. But, before it died, it produced pups. I replanted the pups in other areas of the yard and they have flourished.

My neighbor Joe lived on the East side of me, at that time, planted one between our houses. Joe loved the century plant agave also. Joe has since sold the house and moved. A new owner bought the house. For some rea... read moreson, this plant loved the spot that Joe chose for it and it has grown to be a giant in the past 17 years.

Even though the plant is not on my property, it is very close to the main entrance of my house. The leaves of the plant jut out and must be trimmed to prevent people coming and going from getting lacerated or speared by the sharp ends. For this reason, I have adopted the plant and I care for it.

The current owner of the house hired a landscaper but he has never had to touch it. I prune the plant and I have applied Diazinon to it a couple of times to keep the grubs at bay. I have never watered it except when applying the Diazinon.

I trim the lower leaves of the plant so that it looks like a pineapple. This is how it is done professionally and in Mexico, where it often grows ornamentally. I always use a large sharp knife. I never use a chain saw or saw-all. I have never developed an allergic reaction to the sap. But I appreciate the above warnings regarding allergic reactions.

This year, the plant (I have decided to name it "Joe" after my neighbor that planted it) sent a bloom stalk up to the sky! I was so excited to see this. Although, I realize that this means the parent plant will die.

I recently had a roofer come to inspect my roof. He estimated the height of this bloom to be 25 feet!

I love Joe and am eagerly anticipating the beautiful blooms it will produce later this year. I have noticed the hummingbirds around my house are also anticipating the flowering of the plant. The other day, I saw one trying to get a sip from one of the flower buds that have yet to open!

I will try to post some photos of Joe on this blog. However, I am not sure if Dave's Garden will allow me to do that. I will check.

On Jul 27, 2014, SanDiegoLady from Campo, CA wrote:

These are nice clean line looking plants that are drought resistant. We have two in our yard, one is currently in bloom and will die soon. It's about 30 years old I would guess. I have trimmed both my plants, I cut the bottom leaves to make it look kinda like a pineapple on the bottom. I wore long jeans, long sleeved shirt, hat, gloves, and glasses. The juices do cause a burning rash but if you cover up it will be fine.
To trim it I used a sawzall and it worked really well. They were huge pieces so I cut each one multiple times to be able to move them.
I did not know that after blooming the entire plant will die but I really enjoy the look of these. I trim the end spine of the lower branches so my kids aren't injured.

On Nov 30, 2013, Campocalle from Redding, CA wrote:

Here is a qualified positive: this plant must be in the correct location and it must be periodically maintained. The negative reports here mostly result from a failure to put this plant in the right place and/or to maintain it properly.

First, location...this plant can take all types of poor soil, frosts (down to 5 F in my experience) and drought, and it is a beautiful sculptural rosette of beautiful bud-imprinted leaves. Flowering is amazing. But as many others note, this plant grows huge and spreads, creating a tangle of offsetting pups. So, the location should be at least 10 feet out from walkways, activity areas, etc. to let the plant achieve its full size. There should be no other stiff, tall, or woody plants near the century plant. An open area allows for acce... read moress to pups and/or access to cut overreaching leaves. You must give this plant room.

Now, the management: these plants look incredible when grown alone as a focal point. A tangle of American agaves is a terrible mess- don't let that happen. You need to ruthlessly dig out all pups, no less often than two times per year. Easy if you just remember to do it. Less than five minutes twice a year. Give the pups away, replant, or trash them. Don't let your agave pups take over. It is also very easy to trim the lower leaves at the core of the plant one at a time with a handsaw if you like that look. Be slow and careful and you won't get sap on yourself. Trim terminal spines with a nail cutter if you want.

This is actually a very easy plant, but it will punish the procrastinator.

On Aug 29, 2013, jimmiller5417 from Cecilia, KY wrote:

I would like seeds and pups of the
Agave Salmiana var. ferox (Maguey de Pulque). I am putting a garden and will harvest the leaves for cordage and paper making. Please let me know what you have.

Jim Miller
[email protected]
103 Methodist St., Cecilia, KY 42724
270-862-4379 (work) or 270-307-4857 (cell)

On May 4, 2013, junglejohn from Gold Coast,
Australia wrote:

I must be very fortunate. I removed 8 huge specimens with a chainsaw 3 days ago wearing shorts. Over a tonne in weight. I am a little itchy but I was absolutely covered in the sap, head to toe. At first I was really itchy but it went away after about an hour. It comes back in the shower but settles down again soon after. Reminds me a little of the giant stinging tree we get around here.

On May 22, 2012, Miker76 from Wedgefield, FL wrote:

No idea what this thing was before hand, only that it was big, spiky, and the guy who owned the house before me had it dead center on top of the entrance to the house septic tank. For me to get an inspection, it had to go. I ended up as many here I see have done, got at it with an axe and hacked the massive thorny blades away, hacked at the roots, and pulled my jeep up and attached chains and pulled the thing out of the ground. My arms, 11 days later are completely covered in blisters and rash. I sleep with benedril every night and keep itch lotion of various types with me at all times. I am highly allergic to poison ivy although thankfully this doesnt have the same spreading ability that it has, but itches far worse. Sometimes I just go dunk my arms in cold water it gets so bad. Hopefully... read more aside from the relapses this rash will go away soon since I am nearing the 12 day mark. I hate this plant and plan on eradicating it off my property except for some I will relocate across the second entrance to block it. C4 is the way to go on big plants I think. Dont mess with it otherwise without a full hazmat suit. On the bright side the inspection went well.

On Aug 21, 2011, BryanJS from Apple Valley, CA wrote:

Do NOT chain saw this plant if you want to get rid of it. I got the juice "sap" which was extremely runny (like water) on my skin and then the burning spread all over my body. I was burning and itching for quite a while. I thought it would go away after a while.... it didn't. I took a shower and used soap all over my body. I used the soap, then rinsed it off, used the soap and rinsed again (6 times) It took about 15 minutes and I have no blisters or rashes from the plant. It might of helped because I was wearing sunscreen but I'm not sure. No matter how big the plant is, dig it out. do NOT cut any part of it because you will be in pain.

On Apr 8, 2011, elisandro wrote:

We work with this plant to make Mezcal in oaxaca mexico, a mexican spirit drink, It is very rich in sugars that once you ferment it and then you distill it, you will obtain alcohol. The bad part is that if u are not used to the plant and its juices, it will cause a sever rash, but once you are used to it, you will be fine. some people will have very sensitive skin but they get used to it.

On Jan 8, 2011, tl1000sv from Paraparaumu,
New Zealand wrote:

We are in Paraparaumu, New Zealand and have had one of these in our yard for 10 years. Over the last three weeks the plant has begun to flower...WOW... wasn't expecting that! The central stem has grown nearly 7 metres in three weeks. The neighbours are all wondering what is going on. I have always liked the look of the plant but wasn't aware of the dangerous sap. I understand they can die after flowering and have sought advise from the local gardening shop. They tell me to cut the central stem when it looks as though the flowers are beginning to wilt.

On Jul 20, 2010, detramp from Phoenix, AZ wrote:

I agree with the above neg coments regarding the skin rash.
You need to get a RX for the treatment so the rash
does not get infected.
Apply this cream two to three times a day on affected areas
SILVER SULFADIAZINE
generic equivelant for....SILVADENE 1 %
THIS CREAM TO BE KEPT IN THE REFRIDERATOR
HAS AN ANTIBOTIC IN IT FOR INFECTION.
ALSO WILL HELP TO REDUCE IN THE ITCHING

Dr. Dan

On Jul 19, 2010, WestTexan from Alpine, TX wrote:

This plant is best left in the desert, or at least should not be grown where the gardener is not willing for it to be the DOMINANT plant on the landscape. The sap contains TOXINS that produce a contact dermatitis that is WAY beyond anything you have ever experienced with nettles or poison ivy--almost immediately very painful and often long-lasting. The previous owner of my rural residence planted one of these agaves right next to the house--3 feet. The plant is now ten feet tall and at least that wide. I am removing it, but it is difficult because of the sap. Barbed leaf edges, iron-hard spines on the tip, constant regenerative suckers popping up all over, plus the internal toxins make this an unfriendly plant. The dermatitis can be treated by cold saline compresses and antihistimines, but... read more severe cases may result in systemic symptoms that should be treated by qualified medical personnel. If you must cut the agave for any reason (i.e. trimming, removing, etc), be sure to cover all your exposed skin before starting. Eye protection in the form of safety goggles is MANDATORY. Also, be aware that sap on clothes, gloves, or tools is just as harmful as sap that comes directly from the plant. If you get sap on your skin, IMMEDIATELY wash with cold water and soap. Use a facecloth to help remove the sap from your skin, but DO NOT scrub back and forth, this may spread the sap onto unexposed portions of the skin. Stroke in one direction, regularly folding the cloth to use a "fresh" portion. After all cutting of the plant is done, remove your clothes (do NOT pull them off inside-out) and wash immediately in strong detergent. Gloves should be discarded as they will likely have sap on them, depending on how extensive the cutting has to be. Be sure not to rub an itchy nose or otherwise touch your face while using the cutting tool or wearing the gloves. Stand UPWIND of the hose if you use it clean your tools, and be careful of backspray. One last note: If you must cut your agave, do it on a relatively calm day. Wind can carry sap droplets right to you.

On Jun 17, 2010, AmberJackson from Redding, CA wrote:

My mother planted these a few years back and now they are huge. We have young children and they can't play in the backyard because we cant figure out how to remove these monsters. I feel helpless and frustrated. Does anyone have some ideas?

On Nov 13, 2009, yvic from Fort Pierce, FL wrote:

I planted a small, 6" in diameter blue agave about 4 years ago here in SE Florida and I couldn't believe how quickly it grew. It spiked 2 months ago to a height of 10 feet. I cut the spike and figured the plant would die. It did not. Three days ago I used a reciprocating saw to first cut the leaves off, and then dug up and disposed of the main plant and its pups. I wore gloves and long pants and thought I was careful not to get any sap on my skin. Unfortunately I developed a severe rash on the inside of my wrist. I've never had a rash like this. I am not allergic to poison ivy and have handled that often. This rash is unbelievable. It only itched slightly at first, but now 3 days later it is still dark red to purple with some white pustules forming. I thought I might have psorias... read moreis, but no, it was a little bit of agave juice that caused this. I won't be messing with this plant again. Thanks to the forum I've saved a trip to a dermatologist!

On Sep 11, 2008, baiissatva from Dunedin,
New Zealand wrote:

Zone 9b, Coastal Otago, New Zealand. After reading these other notes Im very surprised! I know of no one in this country who has experienced the irritating effect of this plant's sap, and have handled it myself without incident, despite having highly reactive skin. I am certain the plants we have are A Americana- perhaps, like many agave species down here, we have a clone that is both ubiquitous and relatively inoffensive.
I add to this that my A A looks exactly like the 'kell' pic in the wheelbarrow, and yesterday I trimmed it up with a kitchen knife, getting sap on my bare hands and arms, which did, well, nothing! Is it just that Im not allergic or are NZ AA's a less toxic hyrbrid? Who knows??
Grows well in all but the coldest areas, survives being frozen solid, imperv... read moreious to wind and salt spray, always looks good in the background of a succulent/exotic collection. So I dont have too many bad things to say about it. Grows to massive proportions given decent water- I have seen them 2m high here.
Also I have never seen the remote suckering habit- it always pups close to the parent plant, rather than coming up bamboo-style some distance away. I would class it as medium-prolific and easy enough to contain, even in a range of soils. Perhaps with our regular water its rhizomes dont need to wander far.
Spikes are mighty and dangerous- watch your eyes while weeding as they tend to disappear visually front-on. Snip off the lower leaf spikes to prevent spearing your cats/dogs/kids.

On Jun 28, 2008, queenothmadhous from Cantonment, FL wrote:

This is the first time that I've had one of my own, but my grandmother had one when I was growing up. Sorry to all of you who didn't know about the sap. It was always an understood rule that we couldn't mess with that plant. (My grandmother had quite the green thumb and grew anything and everything, even things she was told could not grow in the south) We could walk up to it and look or even feel the leaves, just do NOT break anything.

On Aug 23, 2006, eurokatt from Naples - Lago Patria,
Italy (Zone 9b) wrote:

I am not a fan of this plant in my yard; its big, invasive, and thorny. I enjoy it's presence in other's yards and the blooms are incredible. Having said that...I do have one in my current yard (rental). It is in an area that I only need to access to turn the sprinkler on/off so I don't have much contact with it. Today I needed to trim off some of those darned leaves and I used a hand saw. EEK! Severe itchiness hardly describes the sensation. I wanted out of my skin! (torso, thigh and sawing arm were affected) After applying alcohol and cortisone cream I ended up in the shower with soap and cold water. My husband poured vinegar on my 'itchy' parts with no help. I sent him out to my garden to retrieve a big Aloe Vera leaf. Splitting open the leaf (remove the thorns! - missed a co... read moreuple the first time) and rubbing it over the dry, itchy areas relieved the itching after about 5 minutes of constant application. It's now been just over 5 hours later and there doesn't seem to be redness or bumps...yet. The skin seems a little 'wind burnt' but no itching or other discomfort. For the record...after my aloe treatment I put on proper clothes and went out to continue my trimming. Ended up trimming a little extra so I won't have to do this chore anytime in the near future. I love my Aloe!

On Feb 9, 2005, palmbob from Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote:

I have to say I have mixed opinions about this plant. On the positive side, it can be an impressive, imposing, turquoise landscape plant(s). I have a friend who uses this species to wall off his yard from would-be plant thieves and it's a pretty impressive wall of spines. You would have to be crazy to try to cross it. And it's incredibly easy and fast growing

... but for me, who does not live on a 100 acres of property, this is NOT a good landscape plant, but a weed. It is nearly impossible to get rid of once you stick it in the ground. It comes up everywhere, and sometimes 10-15' away from the mother plant. Rip it out, and roots still make more plants forever. And the new suckers love to come up right next to other valuable less durable plants that don't like having... read more their roots messed with, making it even trickier to get rid of. Impervious to round up. Pruning it is painful and dangerous. Can't recommend this one unless you have the space, or a large pot to keep it in forever.

On Jun 12, 2004, cousinscuzzy wrote:

I agree with the previous poster's warning about the sap. This is a very impressive prehistoric looking plant, and grows well in the southwest US. However, be careful not to get the sap on your skin.

Last weekend I was helping a friend remove an enormous cluster of these from his backyard. The fibers are very strong and at their base the large plants are quite tough. We needed to use a pickaxe to break it up and get it out. We were unaware of the toxicity of the sap and got quite a bit on our skin. It started itching badly within minutes, and by the next day it was a bad rash that started blistering. One week later the rash is still pretty bad.

The good news is that I can't imagine coming into contact with the sap without doing serious, intentional dama... read morege to the plant. It's not like you're going to have a problem simply by planting these. Just use caution when removing them.

On Dec 14, 2003, CShea from Miami, FL wrote:

My husband brought his plant home in a pot. After moving it around in the back yard for quite a while to mow the grass and such, it took root and grew to an enourmous size - about 6 feet in diameter (mind you the pot is still there). One day we noticed this stalk growing up out of it. It passed the powerlines and eventually got so heavy it bent over. It flowered and later produced over 200 small plants which we will be potting and giving as holiday gifts - with a warning that they will grow very large. What an interesting plant!

On Nov 5, 2003, roshana from Jacksonville, IL (Zone 5a) wrote:

These century plants are growing in a "Century Plant Grove" in the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ.

On May 30, 2003, Monocromatico from Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil (Zone 11) wrote:

It´s so hard to find accurate informations about Agave on the net! I have some national and foreign books of ornamental plants, and I can´t identify the plant, which pictures I just posted. The closest I got is Agave americana, but I´m not sure.

What I know is that I have a small plant of A. americana, with variegate leaves, that started as a bud from the inflorescence of an older plant. What a tough little plant! I wasn´t expecting it to survive, but now I have to replant it in a bigger vase.

On Mar 14, 2003, Kelli from L.A. (Canoga Park), CA (Zone 10a) wrote:

Overall, I like this plant, but they can be be invasive and grow quite large if grown in the ground. They can be kept smaller when grown in pots.

On Mar 13, 2003, Dinu from Mysore,
India (Zone 10a) wrote:

The flower spike can grow up to 15 feet but the plant has to be many years old by then. The leaves too get wider and the plant would need 6-8 feet across. When these are small, it is an attractive plant that requires little or no attention.