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Description
Calochortus Nuttallii, also known as the Sego Lily, is a beautiful flowering plant native to western North America. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall and has a bulbous base. The plant produces one or more erect stems that bear two to eight showy flowers. The flowers are white, pink, or lavender with dark purple or yellow spots at the base of each petal. It blooms from late spring to early summer and has a sweet fragrance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Calochortus |
Appearance
Calochortus Nuttallii has narrow, grass-like leaves that grow up to 30 cm long and 1 cm wide. The stem is slender and smooth, with a few small leaves near the base. The flowers are three to six cm wide and have three petals that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tips. The center of the flower has three large, petal-like sepals that are often colored differently from the petals. The plant produces a capsule containing several seeds after flowering.
Care Guide
Calochortus Nuttallii is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. Here are some essential tips for its care:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the dormant season, reduce watering to once a month.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Calochortus Nuttallii prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow and bloom properly.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Calochortus Nuttallii is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant’s leaves and stems.
- Thrips: Tiny insects that feed on the plant’s flowers and leaves, causing discoloration and distortion.
- Botrytis: A fungal disease that causes the plant’s flowers to turn brown and rot.
- Root Rot: A fungal disease that causes the plant’s roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
Habitat
Calochortus Nuttallii is native to western North America, where it grows in dry, rocky areas, grasslands, and sagebrush plains. It is commonly found in Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Calochortus Nuttallii a poisonous plant?
A: No, Calochortus Nuttallii is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Calochortus Nuttallii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Calochortus Nuttallii can be grown in containers as long as the container is at least six inches deep and has drainage holes.
Q: How often should I fertilize Calochortus Nuttallii?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Calochortus Nuttallii?
A: Calochortus Nuttallii can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall, just after flowering.
Related Plants
- Calochortus Apiculatus
- Calochortus Invenustus
- Calochortus Maweanus
- Calochortus Tolmiei
References
- “Calochortus Nuttallii,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed June 7, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d870.
- “Calochortus Nuttallii,” Plant Care Today, accessed June 7, 2021, https://plantcaretoday.com/calochortus-nuttallii.html.
- “Calochortus Nuttallii,” Wildflower.org, accessed June 7, 2021, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=canu5.
