Scientific Family
Liliaceae
Other common names
Hooker's onion
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
4 to 14 inches
Riparian
No
A common western wild onion that often occurs in masses. Leaves number 2 to 3 and are persistent, not withering at flowering time.
Leaves almost round in cross-section or more-or-less channeled. Inner tepals (sepals & petals) toothed near the tip, curved backwards; flowers in loose rounded clusters. Bulbs not forming rhizomes, outer scales thin, membranous, no coarse fibers present.
Habitat
Open, often rocky slopes, among brush and pines.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
0
High elevation
6000
Flower Characteristics
Flowers in a rounded cluster of 10 to 40 bright rose to purple flowers on top of a single long stem.
Flower color
Pink, purple
Flower shape
Bell-shaped
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
July
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Slightly channeled or V-shaped. Leaves will have died and appear at the base of the plant when the flowers appear.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Long capsules with minutely roughened coat and 3 inconspicuous crests.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seed coat dull or shining; cells minutely roughened.