Expert: Greg Simpson - 3/22/2004

Question
I have some plants, have had them for the past 10 years, that various people have called "Spanish Bayonette" "Agave" and "Century Plant".....The plant has leaves (Fronds?) about 18" longand 2-3" wide w/very sharp pointed tips....I have two that are about 7' tall....When the lower leaves are cut away they look similar to Palms....two years ago one of them bloomed...beautiful white blooms growing up from the center shaped like an inverted bunch of grapes..Apprec any info. on identity or anything that would encourage them to bloom.....Thanks   Chuck

Answer
Dear Chuck,

It sounds to me like you have some type of "Yucca". An Agave does not have a distinct trunk and the leaves are fleshy and usually have spines along both edges and the tip. Also, an Agave (also known as a Century Plant) will die after flowering.

If the leaves on your plant are pliable and the trunk or trunks are approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter, then it is likely you have a "Spanish Bayomette" or Yucca Gloriosa. If the leaves are stiff and the trunk is 8 to 10 inches thick, it may be Yucca Torreyi. If you want to be sure, you can send me a picture at gregandkat@msn.com or try this site: http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Agavaceae/Yucca.html
It has lots of great pictures that may help you identify your plant. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Greg