Allium stellatum (Prairie Onion)


Botanical Information

FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
Speciesstellatum
CategoryBulbs, Perennials, Wildflowers & Weeds
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Were once used in cooking or eaten raw. Bulbs were also used by early Americans as cough/cold remedies and as insect repellants.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4 - 9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height30 - 45 cm
Spread15 - 30 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionAll parts of this plant have an oniony smell when cut or bruised.
LandscapeRock gardens, meadows, native plant gardens, naturalized areas and cottage gardens or borders.
PropagationSeed and bulb offsets.
CultivationFull sun to partial-shade. Well-drained, rocky or sandy soils. Deer resistant and juglone tolerant.
Notable SpecimensThe University of Alberta Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada.
HabitatRock prairies.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are flat, narrow, grass-like and grow from bulbs up to 30 cm tall.
Flower DescriptionAllium stellatum flowers are small, starry and bell-shaped. They grow on top of erect, leafless scapes.
Colour DescriptionThe flowers are a reddish-pink in colour.

Photographs