Can anyone identify these? (growing, 2015, yard, cactus)

[the_nemi]

We went to a place near Austin TX last weekend and i saw these 2 plants and really like them.

Looking at them they would be suitable for Texas weather.

First one is a cactus and the second one is a cactus or from the fern family? I will keep on searching, but in the mean time please feel free to chime in

Thank you in advance

[luv4horses]

agave, cycad

[the_nemi]

Thank you very much luv4horses....

[gentlearts]

The second one is commonly called a sago palm. The agave can grow really large, so give it plenty of room.

[wit-nit]

OP read up on the plants before you decide to plant any. Neither one is a cactus, the first is an agave succulent which grows quite large and has a short life, the second is a cycad and is frost sensitive.

Texas Native Plants Database

Growing More Cycads

[gentlearts]

Originally Posted by wit-nit

OP read up on the plants before you decide to plant any. Neither one is a cactus, the first is an agave succulent which grows quite large and has a short life, the second is a cycad and is frost sensitive.

Texas Native Plants Database

Growing More Cycads

Right, but we have a lot of them here in zone 8, even though we do get freezing temperatures in the winter. Both of these plants can tolerate down to 17-20 degrees, or so.

[the_nemi]

Thank you gentlearts and wit-nit.

When i started researching i found some cactus pictures that closely resembled agave.

Yep, i am going to read up on growth, planting and taking care of these plants before i plant them

[AZgarden]

I just got rid of 3 huge agave that were in the ground by my bedroom window for at least 13 years. I think the previous owner of the house planted them there to deter any criminals from getting in the window. They have sharp pointy ends that will "stab" you if you get too close. So be mindful where you are putting them in your yard !!!

[gentlearts]

I think the agave is also called the century plant. Just last week, there was an article about one that was blooming on Tybee Island, GA.
http://savannahnow.com/accent/2015-0...nd-white-house

Apparently, they bloom one time and then die.

[TheDragonslayer]

First one is Agave Americana, second is neither a fern or cactus, it is sago and is in the conifer family, not a palm, though it is called a Sago Palm.