Sego Lily
Calochortus nuttallii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–16" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, ID, MT and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sego lily is a delicate native bulb that produces stunning white, tulip-like flowers with yellow centers and purple markings in late spring and early summer. This petite wildflower grows from an underground bulb and goes completely dormant after blooming, disappearing until the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sego Lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Disappears completely for most of the year after blooming
- Extremely small size makes it unsuitable for formal landscaping
- May be mistaken for weeds when emerging
Wildlife value
The showy flowers attract native bees and beetles during its brief blooming period in summer.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Sego Lily fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.