Century plant, Utah Agave
Agave utahensis var. eborispina

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A perennial plant 4 m tall and 2 m across. The plants have a very sharp and tough spine at the tip of each leaf.

There are about 250 Agave species. The Agavaceae are mostly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. Plants occur naturally in South-western North America on dry stony limestone slopes between 1000 - 1500 metres altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

North America, USA

How it is used for food

The heart of the plant can be eaten after baking. It is sweet but fibrous. The seed is ground into flour and used to thicken soups. The flower stalk can be roasted and used like asparagus. The roots are eaten cooked. Sap from the cut flowering stems can be used as a syrup. It is fermented into an alcoholic drink. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, seeds, heart of plant, sap, flower stalk

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed should be sown on the surface and germinate in 1-3 months at 20°C. The seedlings should be grown in a sunny position until 20 cm tall. Plants can also be grown from offshoots.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Agave eborispina Hester;