General Culture:
Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Plant in a protected area in USDA Zone 5.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
American aloe (sometimes also called rattlesnake master) is a Missouri native plant which occurs most often in alkaline soils on rocky glades and in sandy open woods in the Ozark region. A rhizomatous perennial which forms large, basal rosettes of nearly flat, soft, fleshy, sword-shaped, dark green leaves (6" to 20" long and 2" wide). Leaves may be flecked with red. From the center of each rosette rises an erect flower stalk to 4-5' tall (less frequently to 6'). Up to 30 solitary, fragrant, pale yellowish-green, tube-shaped, three-lobed flowers (1" long) are loosely arranged on the flower spike. Long summer bloom occasionally extends into fall. Flowers give way to capsule-like fruit. This plant is also sometimes sold as Agave virginica. The Royal Horticultural Society now includes Mangreda in the genus Agave
Problems:
No significant insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Good plant for informal settings, such as wild gardens or native plant gardens or as part of a naturalized planting. Also may be used in a dry corner of the perennial border.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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