The Agave americana is commonly known as the Century Plant because people believed that it would only bloom once every 100 years. This of course is a misnomer because the Agave americana lives to between 10-30 years. It is a monocarpic succulent which means that it blooms once and then it dies, but what a spectacular bloom it is!
These photos were taken in Oceanside, CA over the course of about 12 months - from April 2013 until March 2014. Enjoy!
This first photo was taken in April 2013
July 2013 the flowers open and all the bees are happy.
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By the time the bloom stalk has reached its full height, it is over 25 feet tall.
By September 2013 the mother plant is starting to die.
Look at all the pups that will take its place after it dies.
This photo was taken in January 2014
And in March 2014, the wild parrots gathered in the branches to eat the dried seeds from the seed pods.
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