Did you mean to say a "thorn" at the tip? Could you be talking about the century plant, Agave parryi? See if this looks like it.
http://www.naturesongs.com/vvplants/centuryplant1.jpg

There is one in bloom right now at a home on Folly Rd.
If you have never seen one,(it is a rare event), then it is worth the trip. It is right across the street from the Wendys on Folly. The stem is as tall as a telephone pole and it is just beginning to turn yellow.
Very cool...

Here is a link that might be useful:

Yes thank you both so much, this was the plant I was looking for.