Lost Mine Trail Stop #6

Two agave buddies

NPS/C. Negele

Quick Facts

Location:

Lost Mine Trail

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Agaves, or century plants, grow for many years before reproducing. Some may do so as quickly as 20 years, while other will wait 40 years before deciding it's time. In their final month, they will put all their energy into producing a huge flowering stalk that can grow up to 15 feet tall. Their yellow flowers attract nectar-feeding bats, hummingbirds, and many types of insects. Birders searching for the Lucifer Hummingbird, found only in west Texas and southeastern AZ, would do well to closely watch the agave. Sadly, the plant dies after blooming. Similar species of agave are commercially grown in Mexico to make tequila.