Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Amaryllidaceae

Genus:

Allium

Species:

Allium howellii

USDA Symbol:

ALHO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

may,jun,jul

Bloom Colors:

pink, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from bulbs after fire. Common in post-fire communities on serpentine substrates.

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:

native to rocky, open areas; prefers full sun

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–45 days

Notes:

Requires light for germination. Seeds germinate best at cool temperatures after cold stratification.