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bulbil onion
Scientific Name: Allium geyeri var. tenerum
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Allium geyeri var. tenerum
Common names include bulbil onion and Geyer's onion.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a member of the Allium family, which includes onions and garlic.
- Bulbils, small bulblike organs, are produced on flower stalks, which might be of interest to pets.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a member of the Allium family, which includes onions and garlic.
- Bulbils, small bulblike organs, are produced on flower stalks, which might be of interest to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plant
- Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
- Genus: Allium
- Species: geyeri
- Subspecies: tenerum
- Synonyms: Allium arenicola, Allium fibrosum, Allium geyeri ssp. tenerum, Allium geyeri var. graniferum
Distribution and Habitat
Allium geyeri var. tenerum is a perennial wild onion native to North America.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Allium geyeri is a bulb growing to 0.5 meters (1ft 8in).
- It is hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender.
- It flowers from April to May.
- Perennial onions form clusters of bulbils at the top of a woody stalk.
- Tree onions can produce either flowers or bulbils (or both) in their flower stalks.
- The species produces bulbils instead of flowers, making the plant look like a small tree.
Ecological Role
- Aerial bulbils can potentially contaminate wheat.
Edibility and Uses
- The tops, underground bulbs, and bulbils are all edible.
- It can be used for pickling or grown as salad onions.
Propagation
- Bulbils, also known as topsets or sets, fall or are removed and planted to produce new plants.
- Egyptian walking onions are easily propagated by breaking off the bulbils and planting them.
Quirky Facts
- It's also known as "Tree Onion" or "Walking Onion" because the flower stalk falls over and the bulbils root where they touch the ground, causing the onion to "walk" across the garden.