Genus Agave is composed of 275 species that occur in the arid and semi-arid regions from the south-western USA, Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. The name of the genus Agave is taken from the Greek word agauos, which means ‘noble’ or ‘admirable’, a reference to the stately appearance of the plant. All species share thick, meaty, succulent-type spiny-edged leaves which are produced in the form of rosettes.  Most agaves are monocarpic succulents (they flower once and then die). They have funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes.

Agave chrysantha, is a succulent perennial belonging to Asparagaceae (Asparagus) family and Agavoideae subfamily. It is endemic to the arid, mountainous regions of central Arizona, found between 700 and 2300 metres above sea level. The species name chrysantha derives from Greek; chrys ‘golden’ and anthos ‘flower’. Agave palmeri subs. chrysantha is used as synonym.

Golden Flowered Century Plant is an acaulescent, rosette forming plant, reaches up to 100 cm tall and 180 cm wide. Generally, it is a solitary plant, occasionally suckering.
Linear-lanceolate to lanceolate leaves are glaucous green, 50–80 cm long, 5–10 cm broad. Margins of the leaves mostly wavy to undulate, rarely straight and toothed. The terminal spine is 2-5 cm long, reddish brown colour. Inflorescence up to 7 m high with 8 to 18 lateral branches. The intense golden yellow flowers grow in densely packed umbels on a branched stalk. As with most plants in the genus of agave, Agave chrysantha is monocarpic; they require 10-50 years to reach maturity than flowers once in their lifetime and die leaving many young plants behind. While in bloom, the rich yellow flowers provide masses of nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.

Golden Flowered Century Plant prefers full sun and very well-drained soil. Plant tolerates up to –12 ˚C if it is not in very wet condition. Propagation can be done by seeds, bulbils and division of basal offsets. Generally, supplemental irrigation is not required for this agave.

Agave chrysantha morphologically is very similar to Agave palmeri, it can be difficult or impossible to separate them vegetatively unless seeing flower. The bright golden yellow flower colour of Golden Flowered Century Plant distinguishes it from the pale greenish cream flower colour of the closely related Agave palmeri.

Use in Landscape: Agave chrysantha is one of the most heat tolerant Agaves for the desert landscapes. It can be used in rock garden, succulent garden or xeric landscape. Limited to no supplemental irrigation is required. This is a medium agave with stout foliage that is best used away from areas of any pedestrian traffic. Take great care when moving around the plant, as the leaves and leaf blades are extremely sharp and could cause a nasty injury. Its sharp thorns, sometime serve as a barrier to unwelcome visitors.

Desert Adaptations:  Several adaptations by the agave’s leaves, help it to survive in areas with little rainfall. The leaves themselves are succulent and store water, and a waxy cuticle covering the leaves helps to prevent water loss. The spiral form of the leaves and the concave shape of individual leaves help to funnel water to the plant’s roots. Agaves have a fine net of shallow, fibrous roots that spread out in all directions and can quickly take advantage of even small amounts of rain.