Allium brevistylum facts for kids

Allium brevistylum is a type of wild onion plant. It grows naturally in the western United States. You can find it in high mountain meadows and next to streams.

Discovering the Western Wild Onion

This interesting plant is known for its unique look and where it chooses to live. It's a native species, meaning it has always grown in these areas.

Where Does This Onion Live?

This special onion loves the mountains! It grows in places like Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. You can spot it in meadows and along stream banks. It prefers high places, usually between 2,200 and 3,400 meters (about 7,200 to 11,150 feet) above sea level.

What Does This Onion Look Like?

Allium brevistylum has some cool features:

• Underground Parts: It has a thick root-like stem called a rhizome that grows underground. It looks a bit like the roots of an Iris flower. At the ends of these rhizomes, you'll find bulbs. These bulbs can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) wide.
• Stems: The plant sends up tall stems called scapes. These can grow up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. They are flat and have narrow, wing-like edges.
• Flowers: The flowers are shaped like small urns. Each flower can be up to 15 millimeters (about 0.6 inches) long. Their petals, called tepals, are pink with thick lines down the middle. The parts that hold pollen, called anthers, and the pollen itself are bright yellow.