Plant & garden information sheet.

1. *Nevada agave – Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (a-GAH-vee you-tah-EN-sis)
Family: Agavaceae (Agave Family)
Native to: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Mojave Desert mountains of eastern San Bernardino County
(3,000-5,200 feet); limestone ridges and outcrops in Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland,
Pinyon-Juniper Woodland. Rare in CA.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial succulent mature height:1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Evergreen, succulent agave with fleshy, blue-green to gray-green leaves. Particularly noted for
smaller size and long (blunt) terminal spines. Leaves grow in dense, regular rosette. Very attractive
accent plant. Slow growing; suckers slowly. Note: sap can cause mild skin allergy.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late spring (May-Jul). Plants mature slowly, bloom once then parent plant
dies. Flowers on 10-15 ft. slender stalks. Yellow, bulbous flowers attract hummingbirds, large
butterflies and moths. Fruit a fleshy capsule that dries and splits to release flat, black seeds.
Uses in the garden: One of the most attractive agaves to use as an accent plant. Small size and
slow growth makes it perfect for containers and small planters. Does well along hot walls, rock
gardens and on slopes. Appropriate look for contemporary, desert or Mediterranean-style gardens.
Young flower stalks, heart and roots can be cooked for sweet syrup. Strong fiber used for brushes.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native agaves and similar succulents.
Attracts: Hummingbird habitat; seeds eaten by birds. Host to Mojave Giant-Skipper butterfly.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Well drained (sandy or rocky best); pH 7.0-8.0.
Water In ground, occasional to no summer water once established; in containers, once a
month in summer (Water Zone 1-2)
Fertilizer None needed in ground; ½ strength single dose in spring for container-grown.
Other Inorganic mulch, or none.
Management: One of easier native agaves to grow. Heat- and cold tolerant. Thrives on neglect.
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed by offsets: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 9, 46, 79, 81, Monrovia 12/30/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND