Goldenflower Century Plant
Agave chrysantha
- Native to:
- United States
Krzysztof Golik
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Agave
- Species:
- Agave chrysantha
- USDA Symbol:
- AGCH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 180 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Agavenema barberella, Evans' giant skipper (Agathymus evansi)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Selasphorus Swainson
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds, bats
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Tolerates periodic fire in its native chaparral habitat. Thick leaf bases and basal meristem provide some fire protection, though severe fire can kill rosettes.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers desert-like conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions. Fresh seed has higher viability. Plant is monocarpic, flowering once after 15-25 years then dying.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI