Sego Lily

Calochortus nuttallii

Physical Characteristics

Calochortus nuttallii is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California to New Mexico.

Habitats

East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[207]. Remove the outer husk. Excellent raw, the flavour is greatly improved by slow cooking[183]. The bulbs are said to have a crisp nut-like texture and a pleasant flavour when cooked. The bulbs can also be dried and ground into a powder[207] which can be used with cereal flours when making bread[212]. Leaves - cooked as a potherb[183]. It is hard to obtain a sufficient quantity and this use of the leaves will weaken the plants so is not to be recommended[K]. Seed - ground into a powder[183]. Flowers and flower buds - raw. A tasty addition to the salad bowl[183]. Edible Uses & Rating: The bulbs are edible and were a significant traditional food for Native Americans and later for Mormon pioneers. The seeds are also edible but have a harsh, bitter taste that limits their value. The leaves are rarely used [2-3]. Edibility rating: 5/5 for bulbs; 1/5 for seeds and leaves. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Fresh bulbs are crisp, moist, and starchy, with a subtle sweetness reminiscent of young potatoes or parsnips. Roasted or baked bulbs develop a richer, chestnut-like flavor and tender texture. Boiling yields a milder, more uniform taste, excellent in soups or mashed preparations. The bulbs’ small size makes collection labor-intensive, but their high carbohydrate value and pleasant taste justify the effort [2-3]. The seeds can be toasted for flavor enhancement, releasing a warm, grain-like aroma akin to baked goods. However, their flavor is erratic—ranging from nutty to bitter—and some sources note potential toxicity or acridity, making them a poor staple. Grinding, boiling, and filtering the seeds into a broth produces a mild, palatable beverage [2-3]. Seasonality (Phenology): Sego Lilies bloom April to July, depending on elevation and moisture. The basal leaf emerges in early spring, followed by flowering in late spring and fruiting through midsummer. After seed dispersal, the entire plant dries and becomes dormant by late summer. Bulbs can be collected year-round but are easiest to locate after flowering, when withered stems and capsules mark their positions. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): The bulbs are safe to eat when cooked; raw consumption may cause mild digestive upset. Seeds should be approached with caution due to possible acrid compounds. Avoid collecting in protected or ecologically sensitive areas, as C. nuttallii is Utah’s state flower and culturally significant. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Bulbs are easiest to harvest after flowering, when seed capsules mark their location. Carefully loosen the soil around each bulb to avoid breaking it. Wash, peel, and cook by roasting, baking, or boiling for 15–30 minutes. For long-term use, bulbs may be dried and stored, then rehydrated before cooking. Traditional / Indigenous Use Summary: The Ute, Paiute, Goshute, and Shoshone peoples used C. nuttallii bulbs as a nutritious, starchy staple, roasting or boiling them much like potatoes. During periods of scarcity, they were a vital famine food. Early Mormon settlers in Utah likewise depended on the bulbs for survival in the 1840s, leading to the plant’s recognition as a symbol of divine providence and resilience. The flower continues to hold cultural and spiritual significance, representing renewal, sustenance, and perseverance.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The bulbs are safe to eat when cooked; raw consumption may cause mild digestive upset. Seeds should be approached with caution due to possible acrid compounds. Avoid collecting in protected or ecologically sensitive areas, as C. nuttallii is Utah’s state flower and culturally significant.