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red Sierra onion

Scientific Name: Allium obtusum var. obtusum

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Red Sierra Onion (Allium obtusum)

The Red Sierra Onion, scientifically known as Allium obtusum, is a captivating wild onion species native to the granite hills of eastern California and western Nevada.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a member of the Allium genus (onions, garlic, etc.), this plant may contain compounds that can be harmful to some animals if ingested.
  • The plant grows from a bulb, which could be of interest to digging pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant grows from a bulb, which could be of interest to young children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Allium obtusum Lemmon
  • Common Name: Red Sierra Onion, Subalpine Onion
  • Family: Alliaceae (although not explicitly stated, this is the family to which Allium belongs)
  • Synonyms:
    • Allium obtusum var. conspicuum
    • Allium obtusum var. obtusum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to eastern California and western Nevada.
  • Specifically found in the granite hills of the Sierra Nevada region and in Yosemite National Park.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb growing from a bulb.
  • The flower cluster is often white or pink, despite the "red" in its common name.
  • Some varieties can be prostrate (lying flat on the ground).
  • Allium campanulatum, often referred to as Sierra Onion, has an erect stem, 2-3 flat leaves, and flowers at the stem top in a loose ball of 10-50 blossoms. Leaves wither at flowering.