Agave utahensis is a species of agave known by the common name Utah agave.[1]

Agave utahensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Species:
A. utahensis
Binomial name
Agave utahensis
Map of the southwestern United States showing highlighted range centered in southern Nevada and extending into adjoining states
Natural range of Agave utahensis
Synonyms[2]
  • Agave haynaldii var. utahensis (Engelm.) Terracciano
  • Agave newberryi Engelm.
  • Agave scaphoidea Greenm. & Ronst.
  • Agave utahensis var. discreta M.E.Jones
  • Agave utahensis var. scaphoidea M.E.Jones

Varieties of the species include the Nevada agave and Kaibab agave.

It is an uncommon plant of the United States' desert southwest, in the states of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Although plants in some areas are threatened, overall the species is stable and is considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN.[1]

Description

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Agave utahensis is a rosette-shaped agave having blue-green sharp-spiked leaves.

The raceme inflorescence is very tall, reaching a maximum of 4 m (12 ft). It is generally yellow or yellow-green with bulbous yellow flowers. The fruits are capsules 1 to 3 centimeters long and containing black seed.

Uses

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Agave utahensis is cultivated as an ornamental plant. In the UK it has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3][4]

The plant was used for food and fiber by local Native American peoples such as the Havasupai. Among the Navajo, the plant is used to make blankets.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Hodgson, W.; Salywon, A.; Puente, R. (2020). "Agave utahensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T115698677A116354603. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T115698677A116354603.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ The Plant List, Agave utahensis
  3. ^ "Agave utahensis". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  4. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. November 2018. p. 3. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  5. ^ "BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database".
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