Narrowleaf onion (Allium amplectens, Pacif. Railr. Rep. Whipple, Bot. 4(5; 4): 148 (1857))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: Pacif. Railr. Rep. Whipple, Bot. 4(5; 4): 148 (1857)

Year: 1857

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: SW. Canada to California

Description

The Narrowleaf onion, scientifically known as Allium amplectens, is a fascinating species within the Amaryllidaceae family. First described in 1857 by the prominent botanist Torr., this plant has garnered attention for its distinctive attributes and geographical distribution.

The Narrowleaf onion thrives predominantly in the southwestern regions of Canada, extending its reach down through various locales in California. This extensive range showcases the plant’s adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, from forested areas to grasslands and even rocky terrains.

Characterized by its slender, elongated leaves, Allium amplectens is easily distinguishable from other members of the onion family. The foliage is typically a vibrant green, tapering to fine points, which accentuates the plant’s graceful appearance.

Flowering in late spring to early summer, the Narrowleaf onion produces clusters of delicate, white to light pink blooms. These flowers not only enhance the plant’s ornamental appeal but also attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a vital role in local ecosystems.

Despite its common name suggesting a limited presence, the Narrowleaf onion’s robust nature and resilience have made it a subject of interest among botanists and horticulturists alike. Its ability to thrive across a wide geographic range and diverse habitats speaks to its ecological significance and potential uses in both landscaping and conservation efforts.

Overall, the Narrowleaf onion is a remarkable example of botanical versatility and ecological importance, representing a unique facet of the natural flora found from southwestern Canada to California.

Common Names

Eng: narrowleaf onion, slim-leaved onion, narrow-leaved onion, paper onion
Fra: ail embrassant
En: Narrowleaf onion, Slim-leaved onion, Narrow-leaved onion, Paper onion
Fr: Ail embrassant
Is: Kaliforníulaukur

Synonyms

• Allium serratum (S.Watson)
• Allium acuminatum var. gracile (Alph.Wood)
• Allium monospermum (Jeps. ex Greene)
• Allium attenuifolium var. monospermum ((Jeps. ex Greene) Jeps.)
• Allium attenuifolium (Kellogg)
• Allium attenuatum (Kellogg)
• Allium occidentale (A.Gray)

Distribution

• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 2, 2010 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2010 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 30, 2015 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2857894)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:527588-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium amplectens Torr.)

Specifications

Growth