SafePlants

Allium diabolense - Serpentine Onion

Allium diabolense, commonly known as serpentine onion or devil's onion, is a fascinating species of wild onion.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "onion" which are known to be toxic to animals.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the common name "devil's onion," which may be alarming for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium diabolense (Ownbey & Aase) McNeal
• Common Names: Serpentine onion, devil's onion, Fringed Onion, Rawhide Hill Onion
• Nomenclatural Reference: Aliso 13: 425. 1992
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Allium diabolense is endemic to central California.
• It is specifically known from serpentine soils.
• It has been observed on Figueroa Mountain, Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara County, California, and on the Red Hills serpentine body in Tuolumne County.

Ecological Role

• The plant demonstrates adaptation to serpentine soils.
• It is part of serpentine plant communities, including mixed serpentine chaparral.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Allium diabolense is a perennial herb that grows from a bulb.
• It keeps its leaves in the winter.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The serpentine onion is eaten by the American serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii).

Quirky Facts

• One of the common names is "devil's onion".
• The text references an "Onion Fair" held at the Serpentine Grounds in Aston, Birmingham, UK, which originated as a trading fair called the Michaelmas Market in the Bull Ring Birmingham.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Allium diabolense.
• Dave's Garden is referenced as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.