Sego lily (Calochortus nuttallii, Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 19: t. 1567 (1833))

Family: Liliaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 19: t. 1567 (1833)

Year: 1833

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calochortus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: C. & WC. U.S.A.

Description

The Sego lily, scientifically known as Calochortus nuttallii, is a captivating perennial plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. This delicate and striking flower has long been admired for its remarkable beauty and resilience, flourishing primarily in the central and western regions of the United States.

Characterized by its elegant, tulip-shaped blossoms, the Sego lily typically features petals that are white or pale lavender, often adorned with a distinctive crescent or heart-shaped blotch of yellow at their base. These vibrant hues combine harmoniously, creating a visual spectacle that draws the admiration of botanists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike.

First documented in Edwards’s Botanical Register in 1833, Calochortus nuttallii has been a subject of captivating interest among plant scholars and horticulturists. The esteemed botanist Torr. significantly contributed to its classification and understanding, further highlighting the plant’s esteemed position in botanical literature.

The Sego lily thrives in open, sunlit areas, favoring well-drained soils often found in meadows, grasslands, and sagebrush plains. Its adaptive nature allows it to withstand the challenging environments of its native habitat, showcasing not only its beauty but also its hardiness.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Sego lily holds cultural significance, particularly among Native American communities, who have historically utilized its edible bulbs as a valuable food source. This underscores the plant’s importance not only in natural ecosystems but also in the cultural and historical tapestry of the regions it inhabits.

In summary, the Sego lily, Calochortus nuttallii, stands as a symbol of natural elegance and adaptability. Its striking flowers, robust nature, and cultural relevance make it a cherished and iconic member of the Liliaceae family, continuing to inspire admiration and study across generations.

Common Names

Eng: sego lily, sego-lily
En: Sego lily, SEGO-LILY
Fi: Utahinmariposalilja
Ml: കലോകോർട്ടസ് നട്ടല്ലി
Nv: Áłchínídą́ą́ʼ (chʼil)

Synonyms

• Calochortus rhodothecus (Clokey)
• Calochortus watsonii (M.E.Jones)
• Calochortus luteus (Nutt.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDI BLM. United States, UT. 2003. (public)

Taken Apr 5, 2014 by EOL − Matthew O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by Linda Racicot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2013 by EOL − scottmo (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Cooper, G.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:532447-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2750737)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calochortus nuttallii Torr.)

Specifications

Growth