Sego Lily
Calochortus nuttallii
- Native to:
- United States
LeavXC
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Liliaceae
- Genus:
- Calochortus
- Species:
- Calochortus nuttallii
- USDA Symbol:
- CANU3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 45 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Hummingbirds: Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, native pollinators
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Requires cold stratification and may take multiple years to flower from seed. Surface sow or barely cover as light may aid germination.
Pre-treatment: Seeds were placed in a petri dish with blue blotter paper and moistened for 40 to 60 days in 2 degrees C. Other seeds were directly planted into a large flat with a soil mixture of sand, gravel and Sunshine mix #4. The flat was placed in the Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center (UCEPC) lathhouse over winter to utilize the natural cold stratification process.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow at 10°C. * leave in pot for 2 years, keep barely moist during dormancy