Liliaceae : Calochortus nuttallii
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Family Name
Liliaceae
Common Name
Sego lily
Native American Name
Lakota: pšíŋ tȟáŋka
Description
Calochortus nuttallii is a perennial herb growing from a membranous coated bulb, 14-44 cm in height. The 2-4, simple, alternate leaves are linear, 8-16 cm long and 1-2 mm wide, reduced in length toward the top. The inflorescence is a single terminal flower {occasionally 2-3), white with a yellow base, the outer whorl of tepals (sepals) are lanceolate, 20-33 mm long and 4-8 mm wide. The inner 3 tepals are obovate with a narrow base, 30-45 mm long and 27-38 mm wide, with a round gland surrounded by a fringed membrane covered with simple and/or branched hairs. The 6 stamens have filaments 5-8 mm long and anthers 5-10 mm long. The fruit is a linear-lanceolate, dehiscent capsule, 3-5 cm long. Sego lilies bloom in June and July on dry prairies and open woods in western South Dakota.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Collect seed in June-July when the capsules begin to open.
Germination: The seeds need 60-90 day cold treatment for spring planting. Fall sowing will provide good germination.
Vegetative propagation: well established plants will produce bulb that can be transplanted after the plants go dormant. Soils: Well-drained drier soils.
Light: Full sun
Water: Prefers dry conditions
Additional Notes
Sego lily bulbs are palatable and nutritious and have been utilized as a food source by both indigenous and immigrant populations. The flowers are beautiful and attract native butterflies, but the plants are ephemeral. They make a nice addition to open grassy gardens but must remain dry when dormant.