Plains Onion

Allium perdulce

Also known as: plains onion

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Amaryllidaceae
Genus:
Allium
Species:
Allium perdulce
USDA Symbol:
ALPE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
30 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from bulbs after fire; adapted to periodic burning regimes in native prairie habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in open prairies and rocky outcrops

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cool temperatures and consistent moisture; may have variable germination rates.