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Century Plant

Century Plant
Photo: Doug Bickerton, SA Department for Environment & Heritage
Invasive Plant
Century Plant
Agave americana
 

Perennial succulent with thick grey green sword shaped leaves in rosettes growing to 2m high and often forming clumps that are several metres wide. The leaves have teeth along the margins and a very sharp spine at the tip. Yellow flowers form on a large spike which can rise over 5m in height.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • This plant forms thick clusters as the main plant 'suckers' to produce many new plants.
  • Plants that are in dumped garden waste readily take root and colonise natural areas.
 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Helichrysum angustifolium Syn. Helichrysum litoreum - Curry Bush
  • Xanthorrhoea spp. - Grasstrees

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Flax Lilies
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Flax Lilies
Dianella species
Trees and Shrubs
 

Excellent Australian native selection with mid-dark green arching foliage and sprays of blue flowers followed by bright blue berries. There has been a proliferation of Dianella cultivars with a wide range of foliage colours and growth habits in recent years. Ask your retailer for the most reliable local selections.

Mat Rushes
Photo: Barry Naylor
Alternative Plant Mat Rushes
Lomandra species
Grasses
 

This widely used accent plant has thick arching green foliage that emerges from a central crown. Suitable near waters edge or boggy areas but able to tolerate dry conditions as well, this is a most versatile alternative. Many new cultivars are now available with a range of foliage colours and growth habits.

Spineless Agave
Photo: immij floramedia
Alternative Plant Spineless Agave
Agave attenuata
Succulent Plants
 

This spineless Agave has a thick stem and can reach 1.5m in height. A rosette of thick yet softly textured blue green leaves forms at the crown. Small 'pups' develop to the side of established stems allowing the plant to form thick clumps. This vegetative spread makes them somewhat easier to manage.

 
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