Tapertip Onion
Allium acuminatum
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
Zennora Brna
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaryllidaceae
- Genus:
- Allium
- Species:
- Allium acuminatum
- USDA Symbol:
- ALAC4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, rose
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Bulbs resprout vigorously after fire. The species is common in fire-adapted grassland and shrubland communities and benefits from periodic disturbance that reduces competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in rocky or gravelly areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with cool temperatures (10-15°C) and may have erratic germination over extended periods. Light exposure during germination may improve rates.
Pre-treatment: Cool, moist stratification and cool growing conditions. High germination was obtained from seeds sown in flats and left outside under cool, fluctuating spring temperatures.
Establishment: Seeds are collected when the capsules begin to split in July. Capsules can be collected individually or the entire stalk cut. Seed is black in color. Seed is stored in paper bags or envelopes at room temperature until cleaned. Seedlings which germinated outside died when placed in the greenhouse.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.