Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Amaryllidaceae

Genus:

Allium

Species:

Allium stellatum

USDA Symbol:

ALST

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Geophyte

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Prairie Onion resprouts vigorously from bulbs after fire and benefits from reduction of competing vegetation. Fire helps maintain open prairie habitat.

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 prairies and rocky outcrops

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with light exposure and consistent moisture. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.