The century plant (agave) forms large colonies in washes and dry rocky slopes below 5,000 feet. The leaves are very fleshy and tipped with a sharp spine. Yellow flowers are produced on a long, slender stem that is about three inches in diameter.

The common name of century plant is a misnomer because the plant only produces blossoms at the end of its life cycle of about 25 years. The plant dies shortly after flowering.

Indians utilized the agave for a variety of products. The developing flower heads were gathered and roasted and the ripe seeds were ground into flour. Fibers were extracted from dried leaves for making cording for many purposes.