Desert Agave (Agave deserti)
Agave Family

Found: 2,000 – 7,000 feet in canyons and slopes, Mojave and Colorado deserts.

About: Agave is also known as Century Plant and Maguey.

The agave blooms once in its life and then dies. Although less than a century old, it may well be thirty years old before blooming.

The flower stalk grows at a rate of 2.5 inches per day and may reach fifteen feet.

During the driest times of the year, the thick agave leaves may provide the only source of water for bighorn sheep.

Fermentations of various agaves produce mescal, tequila, and pulque (a beer-like drink).