Skip to main content
Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave) (Agave utahensis var. nevadensis)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave)

Advanced

Agave utahensis var. nevadensis

A variety of Agave utahensis forming small rosettes 15-25 cm across with slender, sharp tip spines, thinner and shorter than those of eborispina, and slightly shorter, denser-looking leaves.

Growing Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
5〜40℃
Lifespan
Perennial; the flowering rosette dies and offsets carry on
Size
Rosettes 15-25 cm; tip spine 4-8 cm
Watering
Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough

About

Nevadensis is a variety of Agave utahensis native to limestone outcrops in California and Nevada, known in English as the Clark Mountain agave. According to the Flora of North America, the rosettes are 15-25 cm across, the leaves 15-25 cm long and 1.5-3 cm wide, the marginal teeth 4-6 mm, and the tip spine brown to whitish, slender and 4-8 cm long. The flower stalk is 2-4 m, blooming from late winter to early summer, and it grows in desert scrub at about 1,200-1,900 m. Var. eborispina has a stout ivory spine of 10-20 cm and larger teeth, so spine thickness and length separate the two. A Japanese succulent encyclopedia describes dense leaves with sharp, slightly wavy spines, the leaves a little short so the plant looks broad, and says the name 'Seijiro' refers to an even smaller type of nevadensis. The utahensis group is very prone to rot in humid heat, so summer care is the key. In Japan seedlings and seed are sold by specialist nurseries.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave)

The Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave) grows to Rosettes 15-25 cm; tip spine 4-8 cm.

Basic Info

Origin

California and Nevada, USA (limestone outcrops at 1,200-1,900 m)

Lifespan

Perennial; the flowering rosette dies and offsets carry on

Size

Rosettes 15-25 cm; tip spine 4-8 cm

Temperature

5〜40℃

Watering & Fertilizer

Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough

Growing Tips

Light & Placement

Full sun and good airflow; keep it out of the rain from the rainy season through summer.

Watering

The utahensis group is far less tolerant of humid heat than most agaves; prioritise airflow in summer and water only when the mix is thoroughly dry.

Temperature & Winter

Native to limestone at roughly 1,200-1,900 m. Hardiness data are scarce, so winter it dry in a bright spot out of the rain and avoid hard freezes.

Soil & Repotting

A limestone plant: use a very free-draining gritty mix, and repot at the start of the growing season to spare the roots.

Notes

Tell it from eborispina by the thickness and length of the tip spine; 'Seijiro' names an even smaller type.

UtahensisCompactSharp spinesAvoid humidity

Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave) FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave)?
A

Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.

QHow large does Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave) get?
A

The mature size of Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave) is Rosettes 15-25 cm; tip spine 4-8 cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave)?
A

Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave): watering & fertilizer — Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave)?
A

The price of Agave utahensis var. nevadensis (Clark Mountain agave) varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: September 23, 2026

References & Sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Agave utahensis var. nevadensis Engelm. ex Greenm. & Roush

Synonyms: Agave nevadensis (Engelm. ex Greenm. & Roush) Hester

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · POWO

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Not listed in the CITES Appendices, and not designated as an Invasive Alien Species or Uncategorized Alien Species under Japanese law.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) query for Agave utahensis: not listed / Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

Related Articles

View More Articles →

🩺 Common diseases

Can't find the plant you're looking for?

Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.