I love this cactus, it is so unique. The name "century" plant for many years was thought to mean the plant only bloomed at 100 years old. It actually blooms at about 30 years. The plant can have long thick leaves up to 6 ft. tall with very sharp tips. Plants can grow up to 40 ft. tall and love the hot dry Texas heat. They are native to Mexico also. The stalk of yellow flower clusters can reach up to almost 30 ft. Once the plant blooms, it dies not long afterwards. These cactus put off sucker roots and small plants come up from those. Century Plant is a member of the agave family and is great for cactus gardens. Some species are used to make Tequilla, bloom stalk was used for its stringy fibers to make ropes and baskets. The very sharp tips of the leaves were used as needles. Agave nectar is popular today for use as an artificial sweetener.
I took this picture near Austin, TX, the Bluebonnets were still blooming, Firewheels, Pink Primroses, red yuccas and many other species of wildflowers. Fields were ablaze with color. I have always heard the phrase "hill country is GOD'S country and I love it there---so beautiful.
"For the LORD taketh pleasure in HIS people: HE will beautify the meek with salvation."
Psalm 149:4
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