Liliaceae

sego lily

Calochortus nuttallii Torr. & A. Gray

Indigenous Names: Si’-go Sikwu Cikwu

Habitat: The plant is native to a number of western states including Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Seasonality: Gathered in July

Status: Native

Traditional Food Use

Ute

Bulbs formerly used for food, either eaten immediately or baked in an earthen oven

Ceremonial & Cultural Notes

Ute

The sego lily is the state flower of Utah. The Ute taught the Anglo pioneers how to find and eat the bulbs during times of starvation.27

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: Bulbs or root

View on USDA Plants Database ↗