How to identify Tuberose (Agave amica)

How to identify Tuberose (Agave amica)

Tuberose exhibits characteristics typical of a perennial succulent, notably its fragrant, showy flowers which are esteemed for ornamental cut arrangements. This plant grows with a bulb-like structure but is not classified as a true bulb. Its foliage foundation should be buried approximately 2 inches (5 cm) deep in fertile soil during the spring. A consistent moisture level must be maintained during its active growth period. As the season progresses into winter, tuberose's leaves transform to a yellow hue, signaling a natural transition into dormancy, during which irrigation should be curtailed. Post-bloom, the foliage continues to sustain the tuberous base, ensuring next year's floral display. For robust vitality and sustained flowering, division is advised every 3 to 4 years.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Tuberose

Tuberous base - Not a true bulb; buried 2 inches (5 cm) deep in soil.

Flowers - Waxy, white to yellow, tubular, 2 inches (5 cm) long, fragrant.

Fruit - Capsule, splits upon maturity, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.

Leaves - Sword-shaped, 2-6 feet (60-180 cm) long, bright green, serrated edges.

Blooming pattern - Gradual from bottom to top of 10 feet (3 meters) spike.

Detailed Traits of Tuberose

Leaf Features

Tuberose's leaves are long, slender, and sword-shaped, growing in a rosette formation. They typically measure 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm) in length and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in width. The leaves are a bright green hue, with a smooth yet tough texture. Prominent parallel veins run the entire length of the leaf, and the edges are finely serrated with small, white teeth. The leaf tip is often pointed and sharp, adding to its distinct, grassy appearance.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of tuberose are waxy and range from white to yellow. They grow on elongated spikes that can reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height. Blooming occurs gradually from the bottom to the top. Each flower is tubular and emits a strong, pleasant fragrance. The arrangement is dense, with individual blossoms measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. These flowers, known for their durability, make excellent long-lasting cut flowers even after being harvested.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of tuberose is a capsule, typically exhibiting dehiscence upon maturity, meaning it splits open to release seeds. This elongated fruit can measure up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. Its exterior surface is textured, transitioning from green to a tan or brown shade as it matures. Internally, the fruit contains small, black seeds, which are distributed by the opening of the capsule. The visual cue of the fruit splitting along its seams is a key feature for identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Tuberose and Their Similar Plants

Century plant vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.

Foxtail agave vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

Foxtail agave (Agave attenuata) is an agave species native to the State of Jalisco in central Mexico. Foxtail agave is a popular ornamental species in gardens in subtropical climates. This species grows best in loamy soil protected from direct sunlight. This species may die if it is exposed to prolonged periods of frost.

Butterfly agave vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

Butterfly agave (Agave potatorum) is an evergreen perennial succulent that will grow to 61 cm tall. It forms a rosette with small, silvery-blue leaves. When the plant is about 10 years old it will produce a flower stalk that is 3 to 4.5 m tall with greenish-white flowers tinged with red. It thrives in full sun, hot conditions and well-drained soil.

Parry's Agave vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) is a flowering succulent native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Parry's Agave is considered slow-growing compared to other succulent species. It is often cultivated for use in desert-style landscaping, planted as ground cover, and kept as a houseplant. Parry's Agave requires full sunlight and minimal water for optimal growth. In the wild, it grows in scrublands, woodlands, and grasslands.

False aloe vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

False aloe (Agave virginica) is a succulent species native to the eastern United States and Mexico. The false aloe attracts sphinx moths, bees, and hummingbirds. Agave virginica is also known as the rattlesnake master or the Virginia agave.

Thread agave vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

Thread agave (Agave filifera) is a flowering agave species indigenous to Mexico. Thread agave is valued in ornamental outdoor gardens where it can be grown in containers. This species grows optimally with minimal handling by gardeners.

Whale's Tongue Agave vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

Whale's Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia) is an evergreen succulent that is often cultivated in coastal gardens and succulent gardens for its rosette shape. Whale's Tongue Agave attracts hummingbirds. Caution should be exercised when planting this species near footpaths because its spikes can be dangerous to pets and children. Whale's Tongue Agave grows natively in northeastern Mexico in full sunlight and requires only small amounts of water.

Miniature agave vs. Tuberose: What's The Difference?

Miniature agave (Agave pumila) is a slow-growing agave species of unknown origin. Miniature agave is valued as an ornamental species for its odd shape and is often grown as a houseplant or planted in rock gardens. This species is considered easy to grow and requires well-drained soil, like many similar succulents. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and grows best in the shade in the summer months.

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Key Facts About Tuberose

Attributes of Tuberose

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

91 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

20 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

White

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Tuberose

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Tuberose

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Tuberose (Agave amica)

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Distribution Map of Tuberose

Tuberose is native to the subtropical regions of North America and has a broad introduced range, encompassing parts of Asia, Central America, South America, and some tropical regions. Cultivated beyond its native habitat for various purposes, tuberose has adapted to diverse environmental conditions across major world regions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Tuberose

A Comprehensive Guide to Tuberose How to Grow and Care for Tuberose