Agave americana, also known as century plant, maguey, or American aloe, is a species of flowering succulent native to Mexico and the United States in Texas. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae and has about 200 related species. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its large and striking rosettes of spiny leaves and its tall and showy flower stalks. It also has many economic uses, such as the production of agave nectar, a natural sweetener, and mescal liquors, such as tequila and mezcal.

Agave americana grows as a stemless or short-stemmed rosette of gray-green to blue-green leaves that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 10 feet (3 m) in diameter. The leaves are succulent or leathery, with a waxy bloom, sharp marginal spines, and a heavy spike at the tip that can pierce deeply. The leaves range in color from pale green to blue-gray and can be variegated or striped.

The plant flowers only once at the end of its life, which can range from 10 to 30 years. It sends up a tall, branched stalk that can reach up to 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 m) in height, laden with yellow, pale green, or red flowers that produce copious amounts of nectar. The flowers are pollinated by bats, insects, or birds, depending on the species. The plant dies after flowering and fruiting, but produces new shoots from the base or nearby rhizomes that continue its growth.

Agave americana is easy to grow in arid and semiarid regions with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can survive occasional frosts. It can be propagated by seeds, offsets, rhizomes, or bulbils (small bulbs that form on the flower stalk). It is suitable for xeriscaping (landscaping with drought-resistant plants) and desert-style gardens. It can also be grown in containers or indoors with adequate light and ventilation.

Agave americana has some potential drawbacks as an ornamental plant. It can be invasive in some areas where it has escaped cultivation and naturalized. It can also pose a hazard to humans and animals due to its sharp spines and sap, which can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is advisable to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the plant and to keep it away from children and pets.

Agave americana has a long history of use by humans for various purposes. The sap of the plant can be fermented to produce alcoholic beverages such as pulque, tequila, mezcal, and bacanora. The sap can also be boiled down to make agave nectar or syrup, a natural sweetener that is low in glycemic index and high in fructose. The leaves of the plant can be used to make fiber for ropes, mats, baskets, clothing, paper, and other products. The leaves can also be cooked and eaten as a vegetable or used as animal fodder. The flower stalks can be roasted and eaten as a delicacy or used as firewood. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked or used to make honey. The roots of the plant can be used as soap or medicine.

Agave americana is a versatile and ornamental succulent that has many benefits and uses for humans. It is easy to grow and maintain in dry climates and adds a dramatic touch to any garden. However, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered before planting it. It can be invasive, hazardous, and monocarpic (dies after flowering). Therefore, it is important to choose the right location and method of cultivation for this plant.