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Utah agave facts for kids

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Utah agave
Agave utahensis leaves.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Map of the southwestern United States showing highlighted range centered in southern Nevada and extending into adjoining states
Natural range of Agave utahensis
Synonyms
  • Agave haynaldii var. utahensis (Engelm.) Terracciano
  • Agave newberryi <small>Engelm.
  • Agave scaphoidea Greenm. & Ronst.
  • Agave utahensis var. discreta M.E.Jones
  • Agave utahensis var. scaphoidea M.E.Jones

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

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.

Description

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

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

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.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Agave utahensis para niños

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