🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
The bulbs are edible raw or cooked, though small. Some indigenous peoples used them as a food source. It can be used in a permaculture garden as an ornamental, drought-tolerant, native onion species. Attracts pollinators. No known medicinal uses.
Permapeople description
A low-growing onion with a cluster of bright pink to purple flowers topped by 3-6 erect tepals. Blooms in late spring to early summer.
Botanical description
Allium acuminatum is a perennial herb growing from a reddish-brown bulb. It has 2 to 4 linear, channeled leaves that grow up to 30 cm long. The inflorescence is an umbel of 5 to 20 bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are bright pink to purple-red, with sharply pointed tepals giving the plant its tapertip name. It grows in dry, rocky habitats in western North America.
Companion planting
Information on specific companion plants is limited, but as an Allium species, it may deter some pests. General companion plant recommendations for onions may apply.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily by seed. Bulb offsets can also be used to propagate vegetatively, though this is slower.
History and traditions
Historically, several indigenous groups of the Pacific Northwest consumed the bulbs of Allium acuminatum as a food source. Preparation methods varied, including raw consumption, roasting, and boiling.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from May to July. Bulbs can be harvested in late summer or fall after the plant has gone dormant. Seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring.