This rare, cold hardy, and drought tolerant variety of Agave is native to the higher elevations of the San Bernadino Mountains in California. This variety is one of only two recognized varieties of Agave utahensis and is the most cold tolerant. Very slow growing, this agave is about two feet tall when mature, and has stalks reaching up to 15 feet tall that produce yellow greenish flowers.
Edible (heart, leaves, root, sap, seeds, flower stalk)
Hearts- high sugar content and can be eaten when baked. A very nice flavor, though fibrous. Can also be dried and used as a flavoring. Roots- can be eaten when cooked. Sap -collected from cut flowering stems, or by tapping a hole at the base of the plant. Sap contains concentrated sugars and can be used as a syrup, or fermented into alcohol. Seeds- ground into flour. Flower stalks- can be eaten when cooked (roasted).Medicinal (antiseptic, diuretic, laxative)
The sap isantiseptic, diuretic, and laxative.Utility (fiber, soap)
Fiber - a strong and durable fiber from the leaves can be used to make rope, brushes, fabric, and paper. Soap - an extract from the leaves can be used as a soap. Made by quickly boiling chopped leaves. This rare, cold hardy, and drought tolerant variety of Agave is native to the higher elevations of the San Bernadino Mountains in California. This variety is one of only two recognized varieties of Agave utahensis and is the most cold tolerant. Very slow growing, this agave is about two feet tall when mature, and has stalks reaching up to 15 feet tall that produce yellow greenish flowers.Edible (heart, leaves, root, sap, seeds, flower stalk)
Hearts- high sugar content and can be eaten when baked. A very nice flavor, though fibrous. Can also be dried and used as a flavoring. Roots- can be eaten when cooked. Sap -collected from cut flowering stems, or by tapping a hole at the base of the plant. Sap contains concentrated sugars and can be used as a syrup, or fermented into alcohol. Seeds- ground into flour. Flower stalks- can be eaten when cooked (roasted).Medicinal (antiseptic, diuretic, laxative)
The sap isantiseptic, diuretic, and laxative.Utility (fiber, soap)
Fiber - a strong and durable fiber from the leaves can be used to make rope, brushes, fabric, and paper. Soap - an extract from the leaves can be used as a soap. Made by quickly boiling chopped leaves.)
| Habit/Size | 18-24 in. wide, 24-28 in. tall, flowering stalks can reach up to 15 ft. |
| Germination | sow on surface and barely cover with starting soil, soil temp should be 70F+, requires light to germinate |
| Requirements | full sun, sandy - well drained soil, low water req. |
| Zones | USDA 5-9 |
| Life Cycle | perennial evergreen |
| Uses | edible*(heart, leaves, root, sap, seeds, flower stalk), medicinal*, utility (fiber, soap) |
| Notes | Minor toxicity, contains oxalates, may cause dermatitis. Drought and pest resistant. |
| Breed Status | Open Pollinated |
| Characteristics | yellow green flowers bloom in spring and summer |
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