Furcrea Macdougalii (Century Plant)

Furcraea macdougallii

Common Name: MacDougall’s Century Plant
Scientific Name: Furcraea macdougallii

Description:

• Type: Evergreen, tree-like succulent
• Height: Grows up to 20 feet tall, including its tall flowering stalk, with a rosette spread of 6-8 feet
• Leaves: Long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves with smooth or finely toothed edges; vibrant green with an architectural, fountain-like form
• Flowers: Produces an enormous, branched flower stalk with small greenish-white flowers; blooms occur once after many years, followed by the production of bulbils (plantlets)
• Growth Speed: Slow-growing; focuses on leaf growth for many years before flowering

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade in extremely hot climates
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils; avoids waterlogged conditions
• Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant; requires minimal watering once established
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 9-12; tolerates heat and light frost down to 25°F (-4°C)
• Humidity: Performs best in arid or semi-arid climates; does not thrive in high humidity
• Hardiness: Adaptable to harsh conditions, including drought and poor soil

Special Features:

• Known for its dramatic, sculptural form, making it a standout focal point in desert landscapes
• Low-maintenance and exceptionally drought-resistant, ideal for xeriscaping or large-scale plantings
• Long lifespan with striking blooms that leave behind bulbils for propagation