Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Sunday - June 24, 2012
From: N. Topsail Beach, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources, Cacti and Succulents
Title: Source for Century Plant in Wilmington NC
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Where can I buy a Century plant in the Wilmington NC area?ANSWER:
There are 9 different species of the genus Agave that are referred to as "century" plants. This has reference to the fact that this plant lives for anywhere from 8 to 40 years (not a century) before it blooms, after which it dies. None of the agaves are native to North Carolina, not even close. Arbitrarily, we will choose Agave parryi ssp. parryi (Century plant) as an example. It grows natively in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas in desert conditions, which probably explains why you are having trouble locating some place that sells it. Follow the plant link to our webpage on this plant, where you will learn it gets really BIG, spiny and unforgiving.
To locate a plant in your area, you will need to find a merchant specializing in succulents and cacti. Even then, they may mostly stock succulents and miniature cacti for indoor use, which the Agave is not.
However, since you ask, go to our National Suppliers Directory, type your town and state or zip code in the "Enter Search Location" box and you will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed suppliers and landscape consultants in your general area. All have contact information, so you can call before you start shopping.
From the Image Gallery
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Need source for seeds or plants of Pinus remota in Johnson City, TX..
October 18, 2011 - I cannot seem to find a source for Pinus remota or papershell pinyon pine. Who Grows this? I understand it is rare and would love to try it here in Johnson City. Thanks
view the full question and answer
Native non-invasive plant seeds for Oregon wedding
January 21, 2008 - I study invasive plants and I am interested in native plant re-vegetation. I am also planning a wedding in July. We thought a nice party favor would be wild flower seeds. I have people coming from ...
view the full question and answer
Fragrant native vine for Logan UT
January 08, 2011 - So as a general question for the Utah climate, (Logan to be precise) is there any kind of climbing vines that would take the place of a jasmine even if deciduous in nature? I read the article about th...
view the full question and answer
Using a stock tank as a planter for Maximilian sunflowers in Pflugerville TX
April 26, 2010 - I am going to re-phrase a question I asked last week, because even though I tried to be very careful, I posed it in a way subject to misinterpretation and thus did not get an answer. So here goes: I...
view the full question and answer
Source of cotton seeds in Georgia
March 08, 2006 - Where can I buy cotton seeds????
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |