Century Plant

Agave utahensis discreta

Physical Characteristics

Agave utahensis discreta is an evergreen Perennial growing to 4 m (13ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Moths, bats. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

South-western N. America - found in the Grand Canyon.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Sap Seed Stem Edible Uses: Drink The heart of the plant is very rich in saccharine matter and can be eaten when baked[2, 46, 61, 105, 177]. Sweet and delicious, but rather fibrous[213]. It is partly below ground. Can be dried for future use or soaked in water to produce a flavourful beverage[183]. Seed - ground into a flour[85, 161]. Flower stalk - roasted[183]. Root - cooked[183]. Sap from the cut flowering stems is used as a syrup[177]. The sap can also be tapped by boring a hole into the middle of the plant at the base of the flowering stem[213]. It can be fermented into 'Mescal', a very potent alcoholic drink[213].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Diuretic Laxative Miscellany The sap is antiseptic, diuretic and laxative[21].

Known Hazards

The plants have a very sharp and tough spine at the tip of each leaf. They need to be carefully sited in the garden.