Agave in full bloom

Photo I took from the Smithsonian Nat'l Zoo website 

(along with all the info below)

An agave plant blooms once in its lifetime, usually between ten and 25 years of age. 
Agave plants originate in Mexico but can be found throughout the southern region of the United States.


Standing an impressive 12 feet tall with vibrant yellow flowers at its tip, the agave plant is in bloom at the National Zoo. THAT BE IN D.C. for all the fine folks who live or will be in the area. Visitors to the Zoo can view the plant in the cactus garden, located between the Small Mammal House and the Great Ape House.


The nectar from agave plants, a sweet sticky juice similar to honey, is sometimes used as a sweetener. And my lovely and generous friend Nancy who  coincidentally now lives in the D.C. area has sent some of this sweet nectar via my Peace Corp E.S. friend, Clayton, who is now back from knee surgery in D.C. 




fun fact: Blue agave plant nectar, when fermented, makes tequila.