The agave as seen in 2007.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

First signs of flowering. Note the foliage in the center is pinkish.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

Inflorescence begins to elongate.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

The inflorescence continues to elongate.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

Close-up of inflorescence tip.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

Inflorescence is still reaching for the sky.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

Arms expand from the inflorescence.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

Charlie Kidder, JCRA volunteer, maintains the Xeric Garden, Scree Garden, and the rooftop gardens along with Anita Kuehne (not in photograph).

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave and

Yucca flaccida – weak-leaf yucca

The inflorescence is as big as it's going to get and the flowers are almost ready to open.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave

The first flowers began to open two months after we first noticed the plant was going to flower this year.

Agave parryi subsp. parryi var. truncata 'J.C. Raulston' – mescal barrel agave