SafePlants

Allium hyalinum - Glassy Onion

Allium hyalinum, commonly known as the Glassy Onion, is a captivating species of wild onion native to California. This herbaceous perennial belongs to the Lily Family (Liliaceae) and is known for its characteristic onion taste and smell.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium hyalinum Curran
• Common Name: Glassy Onion, Onion Lily
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family) / Amaryllidaceae
• USDA Symbol: ALHY

Distribution and Habitat

• Allium hyalinum is endemic to California.
• It thrives in grasslands and slopes, particularly in the Sierra foothills.
• Observed locations include near Springville, CA, Old Control Rd., Deer Creek Drainage, Tulare Co., and Merced River Canyon California.

Morphological Characteristics

• Grows from a cluster of bulbs, each sending up a tall stem.
• Each stem is topped with an inflorescence of up to 25 flowers.
• The plant is a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Pale white to pink, star-shaped flowers with pink veins in loose umbels on 6-10 inch stems. The petals have a shiny look.

Cultivation

• This small but easy to grow species.
• Considered a good garden plant for the front of a perennial border or in a meadow.
• Prefers a sheltered location to avoid frost damage. Can be moved outdoors in late spring when the danger of freezing has passed.

Further Information

• USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALHY
• CalPhotos (California Academy of Sciences)
• Discover Life