Asparagaceae

Very cold hardy agave, to zone 6 or colder! Flowers after a long period of growth, sending up huge slower spike. Just before flower erupts, giant heart of plant can be cut out and roasted. Sweet flavor. Also used to make tequila and mescal. Produces large numbers of suckers from the base, continuing survival after flowering or heart harvest. Extreme xeriscape plant, very drought tolerant.