Sego Lily Wild Edible Food

The Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii) is a small flowering plant that produces a bulb similar to a small onion. The Sego Lily is native to much of the western USA with a range that stretches from the northern border of the USA south all the way almost to Mexico. It is absent from California, Washington and Oregon, but is present everywhere else Eastward to where its range stops when the great plains are reached.

The entire plant is edible. The small bulbs, seeds and flowers are the favorite edible parts. Bulbs can be eaten raw, but are also commonly roasted or boiled. The leaves and especially the flowers are eaten raw whole often right as they are being picked.

The plant is quite tasty and requires little work other than chewing it up. So this plant is a good one to be aware of, if you are within its range.

When looking for the plant look for deep, sandy soil with good drainage. Flower from late spring until late summer.