Des Moines Botanical Garden's Agave Plant In "Death Bloom"

(Des Moines, IA) -- An agave plant at the Des Moines Botanical Garden is nearing the end of its life. The plant, which has been at the Botanical Garden for the past 10 years has recently sprouted a 15 foot stem that looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. The stem has multiple flower buds and once it blooms, horticulturist Aaron Harpold says it will die, in what is known as a "Death Bloom."

He tells WHO 13 this type of agave grows in difficult environments. The plant originates from Northeastern Mexico and often grows on elevated land that is prone to extreme weather.