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Utah agave

Scientific Name: Agave utahensis var. eborispina

Family: Agavaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Utah Agave (Agave utahensis)

The Utah agave, scientifically known as Agave utahensis, is a fascinating succulent native to the southwestern United States. It's also sometimes referred to as the pygmy agave, though Utah agave is the most common name.

Considerations for Pets

  • The leaves of the Utah agave have teeth on the edges and a sharp point.
  • The leaves are also described as having spikes.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaves of the Utah agave have teeth on the edges and a sharp point.
  • The leaves are also described as having spikes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Agave utahensis Engelm.
  • Family: Agavaceae (Century-Plant Family)
  • Common Names: Utah agave, pygmy agave
  • Subspecies: Agave utahensis subsp. utahensis
  • Varieties: Nevada agave, Kaibab agave (Agave utahensis var. kaibabensis (McKelvey) Breitung), Agave utahensis var eborispina
  • Synonyms: Utah Century Plant, Kaibab Century Plant

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the west and southwest USA, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
  • Specifically found in the Mojave Desert (California, Nevada), northern Arizona, and southwest Utah.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Succulent perennial with short, stout, upright, blue-green leaves.
  • Leaves arise from a basal rosette.
  • Leaves can grow up to 14 inches in length.
  • Forms an attractive and symmetrical rosette.
  • Can reach up to 30-50 cm in height.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a keystone species in its native habitat.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Deer and rabbit resistant.

Quirky Facts

  • The Utah agave's elevational movements have been used in studies involving carbon isotopes from fossil packrat pellets to reveal the Younger Dryas cold period in the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Further Information

  • Monrovia plants
  • Dave's Garden
  • USGS Southwest Biological Science Center
  • USDA Hardiness Zones map