Agave chrysantha Peebles
Golden-flowered Century Plant
Agave chrysantha, known as the golden-flowered century plant, is a species native to the Mazatzal Mountains and the central Arizona desert region in Maricopa, Yavapai, Gila, and Pinal counties. Its name refers to its distinctively bright yellow to golden flowers, which are more vivid than those of most North American agaves. It inhabits rocky slopes and chaparral between 600 and 1800 m elevation. It is a robust species with large rosettes and bright green leaves. It blooms only once after 15–30 years, producing a spike up to 7 m. It is one of the best-documented agaves of Arizona and is widely grown as an ornamental.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Agave |
| Growth Habit | Large acaulescent rosette (80–120 cm tall, 100–150 cm diameter); monocarpic; produces scarce to moderate basal offsets; slow growth. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) — endemic to Arizona; wild populations are stable though localized. |
| pH Target | 6.5–8.0 |
| Type | Stony, gravelly, well-drained; may be calcareous |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Ovate-lanceolate, 50–80 cm long and 10–15 cm wide; bright to grey-green; margins with regular triangular teeth 5–10 mm, reddish-brown; conical terminal spine 3–6 cm, dark brown.
ecoIntensely yellow to bright golden, 6–8 cm, on lateral branches of a 4–7 m spike; the golden color is the most diagnostic character of the species and more vivid than in other Arizona agaves.
ecoAcaulescent to short-caulescent; the floral scape is very robust, 6–10 cm diameter at base, with numerous lateral branches in its upper half.
ecoDeep and extensively lateral root system adapted to well-drained rocky soils; some roots reach rock fissures to anchor the plant on slopes.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Stony, gravelly, well-drained; may be calcareous
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
O
Repot every 3–4 years; tolerates transplanting well in spring if done carefully.
Minimal fertilization: one application of low-nitrogen fertilizer (5-10-10) in spring. Excess nitrogen can affect leaf firmness.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Sap irritating to skin and eyes. Terminal spines and marginal teeth can cause deep wounds. Not considered systemically toxic.
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Plant Health
Root rot (Pythium spp., Fusarium spp.) — occurs mainly from overwatering or poorly drained substrates.
Root mealybug (Rhizoecus spp.) — difficult to detect; causes progressive weakening; inspect during repotting.
Agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) — co-endemic to the Southwest U.S. with A. chrysantha; larvae bore into the stem causing collapse.
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"A. chrysantha is endemic to Arizona and does not occur naturally in Mexico — unlike most agaves in the genus. Its cold tolerance (to –12 °C) makes it especially valuable for temperate-zone gardens. The bright golden flowers produced at the end of its life are an extraordinary spectacle attracting hummingbirds and pollinating bats."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.