SafePlants

Utah Agave (Agave utahensis)

Agave utahensis, commonly known as Utah agave, is a succulent perennial native to the southwestern United States. It's a member of the Agavaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has sharp points and teeth on the edges of its leaves.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has sharp points and teeth on the edges of its leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

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

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the west and southwest USA.
• Specifically found in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
• Grows in the Mojave Desert, north Arizona, and southwest Utah.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Succulent perennial.
• Forms a basal rosette.
• Leaves are short, stout, upright, and blue-green.
• Leaves are linear with spikes on the leaf margins and a very sharp point.
• Can reach up to 30-50 cm in height.
• Rosette-shaped, up to 1 foot (30 cm) tall.

Quirky Facts

• While commonly called the "Century Plant," this agave species is relatively small compared to others.
• Deer and rabbit resistant and tolerant of drought and heat.

Ecological Role

• Plays a critical role as a keystone species in its native habitat.

Further Information

• Monrovia plants details and information.
• Dave's Garden community forum.
• USGS Southwest Biological Science Center.
• Discover Life page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution.