By Philip Evich

Jun 12 2019

Agave nectar is a popular sweetener made from the succulent plant in the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae). What’s not so common is this rare species of Agave endemic to parts of the southwestern United States.

While transcribing herbarium labels for the Southern Rocky Mountains digitization project, I came across these specimens which stood out to me more than usual. They are exciting as they feature a hybrid plant of Agave utahensis (Utah agave) as well as colorful photos on the sheet. Check out the asparagus-like inflorescence that reaches up to 12 feet tall! Agave utahensis is one of the most cold-tolerant agaves, even tolerant in USDA Hardiness Zone 6.