Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Manfreda virginica
Manfreda virginica (L.) Salisb. ex Rose
False Aloe, Rattlesnake Master
Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)
Synonym(s): Agave lata, Agave tigrina, Agave virginica, Allibertia intermedia, Manfreda tigrina, Manfreda virginica var. tigrina, Polianthes lata, Polianthes virginica
USDA Symbol: MAVI5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
The thick, leathery, strap-like leaves, to 16 in. long, occur in a basal rosette around the 4-5 ft., upright, flowering stalk of this perennial. Unusual, greenish-white, tubular flowers with conspicuous stamens are borne in a spike-like cluster atop the stalk.
Interesting architectural specimen for dry or well-drained garden soils in sun to partial shade.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Serrulate
Leaf Apex: Acuminate
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: scape 7-8 dm high or more
Leaf: green with or without spots
Flower: Flowers 25 mm long
Fruit: Black seeds 2 cm in dia.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: GreenBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , OH , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA , WVNative Distribution: MD to s. OH & s. MO, s. to FL & TX
Native Habitat: Dry thickets & woods; sandstone outcroppings
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, sterile, sometime alkaline soils.
Conditions Comments: Drought tolerant.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Spotted foliage and striking inflorescence makes the species an interesting element of xeric gardens.Use Wildlife: Pollinated by sphinx moths.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Propagation
Description: Can be propagated by seed.Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Additional resources
USDA: Find Manfreda virginica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Manfreda virginica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Manfreda virginica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2013-10-25Research By: JSC