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El Paso Desert Botantical Gardens 2
Century Plant, Maguey
Sonoran tree bear grass
Sprawling Prickly Pear
Century Plant, Maguey

Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

Succulent that grows quickly to10' x 13'. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart of the plant. Like all agaves, after blooming, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. This is a large agave, be sure to have space.

Sonoran tree bear grass

Common name:Sonoran tree bear grass
Botanical name:Nolina matapensis

An upright, treelike species growing a trunk 25' tall at maturity with 1-4 branches, each of which will be topped by a large, grasslike head. Great for use in low-maintenance landscapes, as well as around pools. It only grows 3"/year Individual plants need 5-6' to spread. Leaves are unarmed but sharp. Leaves 3' long and 1/2" wide and bright green. Will tolerate considerable frost. Native to the Sonoran Desert.

Sprawling Prickly Pear

Common name:Sprawling Prickly Pear
Botanical name:Opuntia phaeacantha

This attractive cactus grows slowly to 3' x 3'. It has sage-green pads and yellow-orange flowers that bloom in summer. It is extremely drought tolerant. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Needs good drainage.

Designer: El Paso Desert Botantical Gard

El Paso Desert Botantical Gardens 2

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.