Agave utahensis is a species of agave known by the common name Utah agave.[1]
| Agave utahensis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Subfamily: | Agavoideae |
| Genus: | Agave |
| Species: | A. utahensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Agave utahensis | |
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| Natural range of Agave utahensis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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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
editAgave 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
editAgave 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ The Plant List, Agave utahensis
- ^ "Agave utahensis". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. November 2018. p. 3. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database".
External links
edit- Jepson Manual Treatment
- USDA Plants Profile
- Univ. of Mich. Dearborn — Ethnobotany
- Interactive Distribution Map of Agave utahensis
- Agave utahensis U.C. Photo gallery
