SafePlants

Narrowleaf Onion (Allium amplectens)

Allium amplectens, commonly known as narrowleaf onion, is a perennial wildflower native to western North America.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Considerations for Children

• This plant grows from a bulb.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium amplectens Hook.
• Common Names: Narrowleaf onion, slimleaf onion, paper onion, clasping onion
• Family: Amaryllidaceae (Lily family, previously Liliaceae).
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington State.
• Grows in woods and various locations in western North America, including Sonoma County, California, and the Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial herb arising from an ovoid to globose, sometimes pinkish-brown, bulb.
• Forb/herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• 2-4 leaves at the ground or low on the scape.
• Basal leaves are circular in cross-section and wither during flowering.
• Grows from a bulb planted 4-6 inches below the soil level in late fall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Adult Fender's blue butterflies use narrowleaf onion as a nectar source.

Cultivation

• Grows best in average to dry soil.
• Prefers full sun.
• Perennial plants mainly have a spring and summer development.

Quirky Facts

• There is a cultivar of the North American native narrowleaf onion called 'Graceful Beauty'.