Wild onion
Allium canadense L.
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Flowering stalks erect, stout, leafless, arising from bulbs .5 to 1.25 inches thick.
- Leaves
- Basal, 2 or more, linear, 4 to 12 inches long, less than 1/4 inch wide, channeled.
- Inflorescence
- Umbels, erect, many-flowered, terminal; subtended by 3 spathe bracts, each conspicuously 3-7 nerved.
- Flower
- Perianths bell-shaped, on stalks .5 to 1.5 inch long, white or pinkish; perianth segments 6, elliptic-lanceolate; tips blunt or pointed; withering away from fruits; stamens 6, barely shorter than perianth.
- Fruit
- Capsules, short, rounded; seeds 1-2, shiny, black.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Prairies and roadsides, often on rocky soils.
- Distribution
- Statewide
Practical Information
- Uses
- Native Americans used Allium species as food, consuming the bulbs raw, fried, or cooked in soups.
Additional Notes
Comments
Allium canadense is highly variable. Four varieties occur in Kansas. In some, the flowers are replaced by bulblets. When grazed, wild onion will give milk an onion or garlic flavor.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Liliaceae - Lily Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- 6-36 inches
- Origin
- Native
- Last Updated
- 2018-06-30
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: May, June