Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Agave parryi Engelm.
Parry's agave, Century plant, Parry agave
Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)
Like all agave plants, this plant is, for several years, a
rosette of stiff, succulent, sword-like leaves. These 1 ft., spine-tipped leaves eventually subtend a tall flowering stalk supporting a cluster of yellow flowers at its tip. After the plant flowers, it dies.
Agaves are often called century plants and require many years to flower, but not a century. They provided southwestern
Native American with food, beverages, fiber, soap, medicine, and lances. Today the liquors mescal, pulque, and tequila are made from the juice of the Mexican species.
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: NM, AZ & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: High deserts
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Food: The Indians ate the stems when the stems were young.
Use Other: It was important to the Indians for fiber.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Agave parryi is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-02-20
