Succulent suddenly sprouted tall stem with yellow flowers - 10' high!

by Karren on behalf of my cousin
(Inland Empire CA)

This was thought to be a succulent, cactus, or agave type plant and for years was low to the ground with no central stalk. After coming home from a trip my cousin and his wife found a giant in their yard and we are all trying to identify it. Hope you can help!


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Karren, that is an Agave, and this is the bloom stalk. This gives rise to their name of Century Plant, as they don't bloom very often, and the plant usually has to be at least 10 years old. The flowering stalk is impressive, that's for sure. In some cases, it can be up to 40' tall, so consider yourself lucky. In time, it will have many flowers, usually white. Unfortunately, once the blooming cycle is finished, the main rosette will die, hopefully leaving some pups to continue the family.

Jacki