Countdown on for big bloom

An agave plant at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is poised to bloom for the first time in 20 years, reaching approximately 10 feet in height. Lead horticulturist Bryon Jones discovered the flowering stalk on May 5, an event that excited both staff and media. The agave parryi truncata will soon produce vibrant red-orange buds with bright yellow blossoms, anticipated to draw hummingbirds. This rare blooming process is significant as the plant will die afterward, but offshoots, or "pups," will remain to potentially flower in the future. The plant's ability to thrive in the Pacific Northwest is attributed to its origins in high-elevation desert areas of Mexico.

Jones noted that the plant requires minimal care, similar to ancient agricultural methods. It took approximately 20 years for the agave to reach this blooming stage, showcasing its unique lifecycle. The event serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of certain plant species in varied climates.