Properly agave americana, it is also known as American aloe although it is not a true aloe

Said to bloom "once a century", the plant only lives about 25 years and blooms only as it dies.

Native to Mexico and the SW US, its ornamental value has allowed it to spread world-wide.

The stalk can reach 30 feet in height; this one not that tall.

This is one of the plants from which mezcal is made (tequila is a mezcal made from a specific plant, agave tequilana.

Not only is the plant a source of sugar, the fibres are suitable for making rope, paper, and rough cloth. Ingested, it is a laxative and diuretic although it can also lead to allergic skin reactions.

This particular specimen was located in the Tucson vicinity