Century Plant
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
Need to get unbusy and pick all the crabapples off my tree out front and kype a few off the neighbors. Time to make some wine. I could probably pick a couple gallons of crabapples in about 15 minutes. I need to quit talking about it and be about it.
Also, I have that Peter Pepper chili in the garden. It is on its third year and might cut it back then dig it up and bring it inside for the winter again.