Quick answer: American century plant (Agave americana) is native to 2 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Alvesgaspar, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Full sun, tolerates light shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low |
| Soil | Sandy, loamy, clay, well-draining |
| Bloom | Jun-Jul (after 10+ yrs growth) |
| Height | ~6 ft (bloom spike 12-25+ ft) |
| Wildlife value | Nectar for hummingbirds/insects, seeds feed birds/small mammals |
Sharp leaf-tip spines are a hazard to humans/pets if placed near foot traffic
Native to AZ/CA; invasive in Hawaii and US Virgin Islands; naturalized in parts of LA/TX/FL
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about American century plant
Where is American century plant native?
American century plant (Agave americana) is native to Arizona and Texas. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does American century plant bloom?
American century plant blooms Jun-Jul (after 10+ yrs growth). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does American century plant need?
Light: Full sun, tolerates light shade. Water: Low. Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-draining. Mature height: ~6 ft (bloom spike 12-25+ ft).
Is American century plant good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Nectar for hummingbirds/insects, seeds feed birds/small mammals.
Is American century plant deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
American century plant is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant.
Is American century plant toxic?
Sharp leaf-tip spines are a hazard to humans/pets if placed near foot traffic.
Where can I buy real American century plant seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Agave americana on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with American century plant.
- Antelope-horns milkweed Asclepias asperula
- Common sotol Dasylirion wheeleri
- Mealy blue sage Salvia farinacea
- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
- Autumn sage Salvia greggii
- Yellow bells (esperanza) Tecoma stans
Also listed under
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