SafePlants

Allium perdulce - Plains Onion

This page provides information about Allium perdulce, commonly known as the plains onion.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium perdulce S.V. Fraser
• Common Name: Plains Onion
• Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
• Kingdom: Not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Subordinate Taxa

• Allium perdulce S.V. Fraser var. perdulce - Plains Onion

Distribution and Habitat

Allium perdulce is native to Texas and other regions. It is found in the South Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Rolling Plains, and High Plains areas of Texas. The text also mentions its cultivation in the West Texas plains and other regions in the states of Chicagoland, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missi, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas.

Morphological Characteristics

• A graminoid up to 20 cm tall.
• Possesses tough and wiry grass-like leaves.
• Features six-petalled pink flowers with a yellow center and dark striations, appearing near the base.

Ecological Role

While not explicitly stated as invasive, the text mentions it as a native species in Texas and other plains regions, indicating its adaptation to those environments. The text also mentions control of onion grass which is similar to Allium perdulce using certain methods.

Interactions with other organisms

The text mentions that the Onion Maggot is uncommon in the High Plains, preferring soils with certain characteristics. This implies a potential interaction (or lack thereof) between Allium perdulce and the onion maggot.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Allium perdulce.
• High Plains IPM Guide: A cooperative effort of the University of Wyoming addresses IPM for Onions.
• Texas A&M Agricultural Research and Extension Center: Conducts research on onion production in the Texas High Plains.