Sego Lilies are now in bloom

Sego Lily blossoms can now be seen throughout Pine Valley.  The bulblike root was long harvested for food by both the native people and white settlers.  Now the Sego Lily is designated the state flower of Utah and is protected from gathering.  Look for a beautiful tulip-like three petaled flower on a 4 to 18 inch  blue- green stem with a few narrow leaves.  There are a few growing along the River Walkway in the recreation area.  Most often they are found in sunny meadows and on grassy hillsides and are easy to see once you know what they look like.  Also called Mariposa Lilies, they come in shades from white to lavender.