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Geyer's onion

Scientific Name: Allium geyeri var. geyeri

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Geyer's Onion (Allium geyeri)

Allium geyeri, commonly known as Geyer's onion, is a widespread species of wild onion found in western North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a bulb.
  • It has an onion smell.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Allium geyeri S. Watson
  • Common Name: Geyer's Onion
  • Family: Alliaceae (Onion Family) / Liliaceae (Lily Family) / Amaryllidaceae
  • Genus: Allium
  • Species: geyeri
  • Subspecies:
    • Allium geyeri var. geyeri
    • Allium geyeri var. tenerum
  • Synonyms:
    • Allium dictyotum
    • Allium funiculosum
    • Allium rubrum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western United States and western Canada.
  • Specifically found in:
    • Texas
    • Oregon
    • New Mexico
    • Nevada
    • Rocky Mountain States
  • Very common from plains to subalpine areas.
  • Grows in moist meadows and hillsides, along streams, and in open forests.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • A bulb growing to 0.5 meters (1 ft 8 in).
  • Herbaceous perennial.
  • Grass-like leaves terminating in a compact, spherical shape.
  • Flowers are lavender or pink, arranged in an umbel.
  • Flowers bloom from April to May.
  • Hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender.

Quirky Facts

  • Native Americans used Geyer's onion as a flavoring in soups and occasionally ate them raw.
  • The classical Latin name "Alli" refers to garlic and onion plants.

Interactions with other organisms

  • Geyer's Onion produces pollen.

Additional Information

  • Geyer's Onion is also known as Geyer's wild onion.