Weber's Agave.
Agave weberi, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Weber's Agave. Also called: Agave franchesiana.

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A thick-leafed evergreen succulent which dies after blooming. It has pointed leaves which form a basal rosette. It has a slow growth rate. It becomes very large.

Century Plant becomes a large agave over 7 feet tall. It spreads to about 8 to 12 feet. It has long gray glaucus leaves that have recurved spines on the margins and a long terminal spine. It's yellow-green flowers attract hummingbirds, however the Century Plant doesn't bloom until it is about 10 years or so old. It does not take 100 years to bloom! The flowering plant dies shortly after flowering. Plant in full sun. Irrigate occasionally. Not too often! This is a large plant but care must be exercised when choosing to plant; give it plenty of room and keep it away from traffic. The spines are dangerous.

Some people think this is the Agave grown for tequila. Technically, tequila is a type of mezcal, however all mezcals are not tequila. To be a true tequila, it must be derived from Agave tequilana Weber azul, or more commonly known as the Webers Blue variety of Agave tequilana.The tequila also must be produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco, in the town of Tequila. We have been to Tequila and you can smell the fermenting for several miles away. Mezcal is made from one of 5 or 6 species of Agave. Agave weberi, is one used for mescal, not tequila.

Often confused with Agave americana but, greener, more upright, and narrow; than Agave americana.

Quick Notes:

Height: 5 to 7 feet tall. It spreads to about 8 to 12 feet.

Flowers: A large stalk emerges from the center of the plant, it becomes 15 to 30 feet tall. Then yellow flowers emerge from the terminal end on a horizontal branching structure growing up to 6 feet in diameter. The flowers are pale yellow, up to 3 5/8 inches long, with perianth segments erect, up to 1 1/4 inch long, the ovary is shorter than the perianth.

Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid March - April.

Leaves: The leaves symmetrical, a basal rosette, up to 6 feet long, nearly 12 inches wide, gray, curved or reflexed at the tip, margin mildly toothed or toothless.

Found: Native to eastern Mexico (San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas). USDA claims it is native to the USA (TX).

Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F)

Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)

Sun Exposure:
Full Sun

Elevation: 0 - 7,600 feet in Arizona.

Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is remarkably tolerant of alkali. An ideal xeriscape landscape plant in Arizona.

Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low.