Native Plant Database

Watson, Sean

Manfreda sileri Verhoek-Williams

Siler's tuberose

Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)

Herbaceous member of the agave family with rosette of basal leaves and somewhat woody flowering stalk. Leaves light green to blue green with brownish spots, somewhat succulent (as in other Manfreda species), up to 16 inches long and 2 inches wide flowering stalk typically 6-7 feet tall. Flowers with a waxy, greenish tube usually about 1/2 inch long capped by 6 recurved perianth lobes. Stamens exerted at least 11/2 inches beyond perianth. Growing separately or in colonies, in open areas, on clay soil.

Flowering spring to midsummer. Flowers yellow and fragrant. Rosette evergreen and succulent making it a nice accent plant. Flowers are very unusual.

Image Gallery:

3 photo(s) available

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Serrulate
Leaf Apex: Acuminate
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Size Notes: 1-3
Leaf: lt green w/grn or brown spots
Flower: Flower to 2 cm long
Fruit: Seeds black 2.3-3.1 cm
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: TX
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Fragrant flowers emit their fragrance at night attracting moths as pollinators. Finches and sparrows eat seed.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds , Butterflies

Last Update: 2008-10-20