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(Agave utahensis)
Utah Agave (Agave utahensis)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Agave utahensis, commonly known as Utah Agave, is an evergreen succulent native to the arid regions of the Southwestern United States, particularly in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. It thrives in desert scrub and rocky outcrops, often found in crevices and well-drained slopes. This plant forms a compact rosette of blue-green leaves that are thick, fleshy, and edged with sharp spines, which can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length. The Utah Agave is slow-growing and may take several years to reach maturity. When it does flower, typically after 15 to 30 years, it produces a very tall and impressive raceme inflorescence that can reach up to 4 meters (12 feet) in height. The flowers are yellow to yellow-green, and they bloom in a bulbous shape, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After flowering, the plant produces fruits that are dry capsules containing black seeds.
Utah Agave is valued for its striking architectural form and is often used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It has gained recognition for its low maintenance requirements and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It requires full sun to part shade and very low to low water once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. It is best grown in well-draining soils, as it is susceptible to root rot in wet conditions. While it is generally disease-free, overwatering and poor drainage are the most common issues. Utah Agave is not typically invasive but should be handled with care due to its sharp spines.CC BY-SA 4.0
Utah Agave is valued for its striking architectural form and is often used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a focal point in drought-tolerant landscapes. It has gained recognition for its low maintenance requirements and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. It requires full sun to part shade and very low to low water once established, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardening. It is best grown in well-draining soils, as it is susceptible to root rot in wet conditions. While it is generally disease-free, overwatering and poor drainage are the most common issues. Utah Agave is not typically invasive but should be handled with care due to its sharp spines.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1.9-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to the arid regions of the Southwestern United States, particularly in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California
Other Names
Common Names: Gråagave
Scientific Names: , Agave utahensis, Agave utahensis var. utahensis, Agave haynaldii var. utahensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Agave utahensis Engelm.