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pitted onion

Scientific Name: Allium lacunosum var. lacunosum

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Allium lacunosum: Pitted Onion

Allium lacunosum, commonly known as pitted onion, is a species of wild onion endemic to California.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the onion family, Allium lacunosum may pose risks to pets if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Allium lacunosum S. Watson
  • Common Name: Pitted Onion
  • Family: Alliaceae (Onion family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Subordinate Taxa: Allium lacunosum S. Watson var. davisiae (M.E. Jones) D. McNeal & F. Ownbey, Allium lacunosum var. lacunosum S. Watson
  • Synonyms:
    • Allium aaseae Ownbey (related species)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Endemic to California.
  • Common member of the flora in California.
  • Specifically found on serpentine soils in the Coast Ranges of Central and Southern California.
  • Found in rocky hillsides and meadows.
  • Photographed at Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve, located near Mill Valley, California.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Growth habit: Perennial.
  • Small wild onion.
  • Flowers can be white or pale pink, with dark veins.
  • Reaches a medium height of 30cm.
  • Flowers range from pale rose to pure white.

Quirky Facts

  • The text notes that onions are lilies.

Further Information

  • Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Allium lacunosum.
  • Jo-Ann Ordano, California Academy of Sciences.
  • Dave's Garden: a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.