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broadstemmed onion

Scientific Name: Allium platycaule

Family: Liliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Allium platycaule - Broadstemmed Onion

Allium platycaule, commonly known as broadstemmed onion or flat-stem onion, is a charming species of wild onion.

Common Names

  • Broadstemmed Onion
  • Flat-stem Onion
  • Broad Stemmed Onion

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Allium platycaule S. Watson
  • Family: Alliaceae
  • Synonym: A. anceps Kellog

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to northeastern California and southern Lake County, Oregon (specifically the Sierra Nevada region).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • A dwarf ornamental species.
  • Reaches approximately 20 cm in height.
  • Features broad and short, slightly falcate (sickle-shaped) leaves.
  • Produces a dense umbel of rich lilac or hot-pink flowers.
  • The bulb reaches 20-30 mm in diameter.
  • A forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).

Quirky Facts

  • Broadstemmed Onion is considered an easy, alpine or garden species.
  • Considered a perennial plant, subject to months of vegetational rest.

Traditional Uses

  • Bulbs can be roasted and used for food.
  • Seeded heads can be placed in hot ashes for a few minutes to extract the seeds for consumption.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Allium platycaule.
  • Dave's Garden: Offers tips and ideas for gardens from a community of gardeners.
  • CalPhotos: Contains photographs of Allium platycaule.