Notes:

The illustrated specimens were certainly introduced.  There are three species of Agave found in California (Agave deserti, shawii & utahensis), but none grows naturally in Monterey County.  Plants flower only once during their lifetime and then die (although often after producing suckers which develop into new plants).  The name “Century Plant” is something of an exaggeration, 10-30 years is closer to their normal lifespan.

Notes:

This is recognizable by its wavy basal leaves, and beautiful white flowers which only open in late afternoon, closing by the following morning.  Every 1-2 days, a bud on the flower spike opens, in sequence moving upward.  In photo #3, the striped, swelling buds are visible to the right of today’s bloom, while the twisted, spent flowers are on the left.  The bulb is covered in coarse fibers; the last photo shows one that has been dug up.  Both bulb and fibers were used by indigenous people.  Photos #2 and 3 by CJH.

Notes: