Calochortus nuttallii , commonly lie with as the Sego Lily , is a member of theCalochortusgenus in the Liliaceae family , which is also referred to as the lily family . This species is famed for its tulip - shaped flowers , which feature three large petals that are typically white with a yellow base and often have a violet or ruddy band near the center . The genus name “ Calochortus ” come from Greek , meaning “ beautiful grass , ” speculate the industrial plant ’s elegance , while “ nuttallii ” honors Thomas Nuttall , an English botanist who examine North American flora .
Sego Lily is aboriginal to the western United States , with its range encompassing parts of Utah , Wyoming , Colorado , Idaho , Montana , Nebraska , Nevada , New Mexico , South Dakota , and Wyoming . It boom in various habitats including ironic , brushy or grassy slopes , defect high country , and open pine tree timber , often at summit between 4,500 to 8,000 feet , showcasing its adaptability to the arid and semi - arid environments of the region .
Historically , the Sego Lily holds substantial ethnical and historical time value . It was a all important food source for Native American tribes , including the Shoshone , who taught early Mormon settlers in Utah to use the bulb as a dearth intellectual nourishment during the Crickets War in the 1840s when crop break . This act of share-out led to the Sego Lily being designated as the state flower of Utah in 1911 , symbolizing survival and gratitude . The name “ Sego ” is descend from the Shoshone word “ seego . ” The industrial plant ’s bulbs , when jest at or boil , provide a vital food source , and its beauty has made it a subject of admiration in both artistry and lit , celebrating its character in the innovator story of the American West .
Sego Lily is adapted to USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8 , reflecting its capability to withstand both cold winter and the blistering , ironical summertime characteristic of its native range of mountains . Within these zones , it prefers well - drain , sandy or gravelly soils in full sun to fond shade conditions . Its culture outside these zones can be challenging , but where condition mime its born habitat , it can be a beautiful add-on to gardens , contributing to both the artistic appeal and the historical narrative of the neighborhood it inhabits . Its resilience in problematic consideration has made it an emblem of endurance and natural beauty in the landscapes where it grows .
Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii ): Characteristics
Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii ): Cultivation
situation Selection
take a site with full Sunday to partial shade , mimic its raw home ground . It expand in area that get plenty of sun but can profit from some good afternoon tint in hot climate .
Soil Preparation
Prefers well - drained , flaxen or gravelly soil . rectify heavy soils with gumption or grit to improve drainage , as poor drainage can extend to bulb rot . The grime should be slenderly acidic to neutral .
Planting
Plant bulb in the nightfall , from September to November , to let for solution establishment before wintertime . Place lightbulb 4 - 6 inches deep and about 6 - 12 inches apart to mime natural spatial arrangement .
tearing
H2O bulb well after planting to boost ancestor growth . During the get season , water sparingly ; Sego Lily is adapted to juiceless circumstance but can benefit from periodic watering during prolonged dry spells , especially during bulb developing .
Mulching
Use a light layer of mulch like gravel or small stones to keep up soil warmth and wet without retaining too much moisture . constituent mulches should be used meagrely to avoid supererogatory moisture around the electric light .
fertilisation
Fertilize light , if at all , since Sego Lily thrives in comparatively poor grime . If you must fertilize , use a low - nitrogen , slow - release fertilizer in early spring to endure blooming without encouraging unreasonable foliage .
Pruning and Maintenance
After flowering , set aside the foliage to die back naturally to nourish the light bulb for next year ’s bloom . absent dead foliation only after it has fade completely .
Pest and Disease Management
broadly speaking pest - immune , but watch for bulb rot in overly loaded conditions . salutary drain is central . If plague like aphid appear , they can usually be managed with water sprays or insecticidal soap .
Propagation
broadcast by seed , which requires social stratification ( a period of moth-eaten treatment ) for sprouting , or by dividing bulbs in the fall . Seed - produce works might take several years to flower .
Winter Care
In its native reach , no particular wintertime care is needed as the bulbs are audacious to cold . However , in expanse with very dusty winters , a light mulch can protect against extreme frost , but ensure it ’s removed in spring to prevent redundant moisture retentiveness .
