Calochortus nuttallii

Common Names

Sego Lily, Mariposa Lily, Nuttall's Mariposa Lily

Summary

Sego lily is a bulbous perennial in the Liliaceae native to the western United States. It grows about 15–45 cm tall with 2–4 linear, grass-like leaves that wither by bloom; showy tulip-shaped flowers appear on erect stems, usually white with a yellow base and sometimes lilac or pink tinges, often with purple markings near the base; bulbs store nutrients and are edible when cooked.

Prefers well-drained sandy to loamy soils in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant, hardy in zones 3–8, with a tendency to dry-dormant in midsummer. Plant bulbs in fall to a depth of 4–6 inches and 6–12 inches apart; water after planting then sparingly; mulch and light fertilization if needed; after flowering, foliage dies back. Propagation by seed (cold stratification may help) or by bulb division; seed-grown plants may take several years to flower. Ornamental and historical edible use; nectar/pollen attracts native bees and butterflies.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-18 inches

Spread

6-9 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun. Tolerates partial shade

Soil Type

Well-drained, dry sandy loam soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, dry soil, preferably sandy or gravelly.

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Bloom Color

White, often tinged with lilac or pale yellow; occasionally pink.

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Gray-green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Modest growth.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division of bulbs, Stem bulbils, Bulblet propagation

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators