Calochortus nuttallii
sego lily
Western United States (Great Basin and Rocky Mountains)
Overview
Calochortus nuttallii is a bulb-forming perennial of the western United States, growing 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) tall on a slender stem from a deep underground bulb. The few grass-like leaves are narrow, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, and often curl or wither by flowering time. From May to July the stem carries 1 to 4 upward-facing cup-shaped flowers, each with three broad white petals 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, tinted lilac at the tips, with a yellow base and a crescent of reddish-purple to maroon above each nectar gland. Three narrow sepals show between the petals. Calochortus nuttallii grows in dry sagebrush flats, grassland, and open pine woodland of the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain region. It is the state flower of Utah, where its bulbs were eaten during food shortages. The plant tolerates drought and cold and depends on a dry summer dormancy, rotting in soil that stays wet after bloom. Bulbs grow slowly and may take several years to reach flowering size from seed.
Native Range
Calochortus nuttallii is native to the western United States, across the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains from Montana and North Dakota south to New Mexico and Arizona. It grows in dry sagebrush flats, grassland, and open pine woodland.Suggested Uses
Calochortus nuttallii is used in rock gardens, dry native plantings, and bulb collections in dry-summer climates, spaced 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) apart. Its drought tolerance suits sunny, gravelly sites that stay dry in summer. It is grown in raised beds or troughs where drainage and summer dryness can be controlled.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'6"
Width/Spread3" - 6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow base and maroon markingsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Calochortus nuttallii grows in full sun and sharply drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil. It depends on a dry summer dormancy and rots in soil that stays wet after flowering. Water is given through spring growth and withheld once the foliage yellows. Bulbs are planted 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) deep in autumn in cold-winter, dry-summer climates. The plant declines in rich soil, summer irrigation, and humid conditions, which shorten its life. It is slow from seed and takes several years to reach flowering size.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Spent flower stems are left until the foliage yellows so the bulb can store energy. Dry stems are removed once dormancy begins in summer.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons