RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A unique plant in bloom has become something of an attraction in one Raleigh neighborhood.
The agave americana plant is known as a century plant because it typically blooms once every 100 years at the end of its life cycle.
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The plant is native to northern Mexico and was brought to Raleigh by the staff at JC Raulston Arboretum at N.C. State University
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Homeowner Alan Tharp planted it in his yard 25 years ago and said it is blooming early at 30 years old because of all the rain that Raleigh receives.
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t's easy to see why the plant is drawing a crowd, usually in the evenings. It's quite a sight, the flower stalk shoots up 20 feet in just more than a month.
The agave americana is on Merwin Road near Liles Road in southeast Raleigh.