On the campus of Perry Wellness Center, we are lucky to have several century plants in various stages of growth. The century plant is considered the granddaddy of all agave plants, growing up to six feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. Its wide, grey-green leaves have sharp “teeth,” and after about a decade, the plant produces a flower spike that can eventually reach more than 20 feet. A century plant in bloom is an amazing site, because of the rarity of its occurrence and the height of its flower spike.

We like to think that the century plant teaches patience and endurance, qualities in which we all need the occasional lesson.

Pictured here is a large century plant on the western edge of the parking lot at PWC.