Native Plants
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Allium canadense var. canadense
Allium canadense L. var. canadense
Canada Onion, Meadow Garlic, Wild Onion
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s): Allium acetabulum, Allium canadense var. ovoideum, Allium canadense var. robustum, Allium continuum
USDA Symbol: ALCAC
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Wild onion grows 8-24 inches tall. It has 2 leaves, sometimes more, that are shorter than the flower stem. The flowers are in a round, compact cluster, 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter. The 6 tepals are about 1/4 inch long, white to lavender, fading with age. The plant grows from a bulb which tastes like cultivated onion.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Flower: Flowers in 4 inch globe
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannas
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Calcareous
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Attractive, Blooms ornamental, Pocket prairie, Shortgrass meadowConspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: SeedsFrom the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0796 Collected Apr 28, 1994 in Bexar County by Mike FoxNPSOT 0826 Collected Mar 12, 1994 in Bexar County by Harry Cliffe
Bibliography
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. WasowskiBibref 281 - Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.
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Additional resources
USDA: Find Allium canadense var. canadense in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Allium canadense var. canadense in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Allium canadense var. canadense
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff