Sego Lily

Sego Lily Facts

Perhaps most notably, the simple term of Sego Lily serves as the most frequently used common name for a particularly lovely type of lily. This marvel of Nature also has several alternate titles, though. These include the terms Mariposa and Butterfly tulip, among others.
Within the scientific community, however, it’s probably much better known by its entirely technical designation. Unfortunately, like many such appellations, that’s a difficult one for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it holds the formal moniker of Calochortus nuttallii.
Regardless of which of these differing tags one uses to refer to it, though, this gorgeous plant represents a particularly marvelous member of its genus. This true wonder of Nature received its name in honor of the highly respected English botanist and zoologist, Thomas Nuttall.
This occurred subsequent to its first official recognition. That occurred due to the efforts of the respected American botanists John Torrey and Asa Gray. Interestingly, working together, the two scientists made the initial description of this breathtaking species in the year 1857.
Most fortunately for those who love Nature, the beautiful Sego Lily appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. This fortunate situation also appears to hold true throughout the entirety of the known native range of the delicate variety of flora.
Given the numbers that it boasts, the IUCN presently has no listing for the Angiosperm on its Red List of Threatened Species. It nevertheless must be considered to be at potential risk. Its greatest threats, though, likely come in the form of habitat loss and climate change.

Amazon Lily, Eucharis grandiflora — Amazon Lily

Pine Lily, Lilium catesbaei — Amazon Lily

Sego Lily Physical Description

The remarkable Sego Lily rarely fails to capture the immediate attention and appreciation of those individuals fortunate to spot one of them. It does not do so based solely on sheer size, though. In fact, regardless of its many other awesome attributes, it ranks as an average-sized specimen.

In terms of physical descriptions, however, this distinctive plant also distinguishes itself in one unique manner. That’s true since individual specimens of this true wonder of botanical evolution frequently vary significantly in terms of overall height. Though not unknown, it’s still uncommon.

Astonishingly, examples of this Angiosperm range in their vertical reach from 6 – 18 in (15 – 45 cm). Without fail, the impressive species develops a single, thin stalk. Each of these manifests only a few long, slender, grass-like leaves. Usually appearing near the base, these wither by flowering time

Yet, it’s doubtless the magnificent flowers of the stunning Sego Lily that garner the most interest among observers. These appear at the ends of the stalks. Typically, only a single bloom develops, though two or three sometimes appear. When open, these blossoms average 3 in (7.6 cm) across.

Their shape also merits its own measure of appreciation. These aspects of the flora develop in an amazing cup-shaped form. Each flower possesses three large, rounded petals and three narrower sepals. The petals additionally present a broad, slightly pointed shape, with a silky or satiny texture.

The wondrous flora also presents a striking color scheme to the observer’s eye. That’s because the petals usually show white, with dark red and yellow markings at the base. However, on occasion, yellow petals develop, instead of the usual white. Finally, the fruit itself develops as a single capsule.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophytes
Class: Angiosperms
Order: Liliales
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Calochortus
Species: C. nuttallii

Sego Lily Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The mesmerizing Sego Lily actually evoloved as indigenous to a comparatively broad expanse of the surface of the earth. Exactly where that zone of habitation lies likely won’t surprise anyone, though. That’s because this habitat range consists of a specific portion of the continent of North America.

More precisely, however, this delicate wonder of Nature developed in what now constitutes the western regions of the nation of the United States. Within that greater area, the beautiful variety of lily currently inhabits a total of 11 states, covering a majority of the western part of the country.

For the moment, it remains unknown whether or not it ever existed beyond this range. But, even within this already restricted territory, the amazing species of flora demonstrates a poerful evolutionary preference. It has specific requirements for the type of habitat in which it appears.

Consequently, except for individual stragglers, the bulk of its population appears in three specific types of ecosystems. These zones of habitation consist of areas of sagebrush in the foothills, various dry valleys, and, for curently undetermined reasons, specifically small groupings of ponderosa pines.

The gorgeous Sego Lily achieves its pollination via the actions of several types of locally prevalent insects. These principally consist of native bees, as well as the occasional beetle. Its seeds develop within a small capsule, and become dispersed when this splits open, releasing the numerous seeds.

It also plays an important role in the various ecosystems in which it appears. The bulbs often serve as an important food source rodents, deer, and multiple insect species. Its nectar and pollen additionally provides a vital source of nutrition for those insects that pollinate the natural beauty.

The fascinating Sego Lily also previously had multiple cultural uses. The Native American tribes sharing its range used it in several ways. The bulbs they often used to make a porridge. They also consumed the dried seeds. Not surprisingly, the flowers often formed decorations and adornments.