Snowdrop onion facts for kids

The snowdrop onion, or Allium galanthum, is a special kind of onion plant. It belongs to the amaryllis family, which includes many beautiful flowering plants. This onion is originally from Asia, growing in places like Xinjiang (a region in China), Mongolia, Altay Krai in Russia, and Kazakhstan. It likes to grow in areas that are between 500 and 1,500 meters (about 1,640 to 4,920 feet) above sea level.

What is the Snowdrop Onion?

The snowdrop onion grows in groups, forming clusters of small, round bulbs. Each bulb can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) wide. These bulbs are like the underground storage parts of the plant.

How it Grows

From the bulbs, a tall stem called a scape grows upwards. These scapes can reach up to 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. The leaves of the snowdrop onion are shaped like tubes and are usually about half as long as the scapes.

At the very top of the scape, the plant forms a round cluster of flowers. This cluster is called an umbel. It has many beautiful white flowers that bloom together, making it look like a little white ball.

Uses of the Snowdrop Onion

Just like other onions, the snowdrop onion is edible, meaning you can eat it! People also believe it has medicinal uses, which means it might be helpful for health in some ways.

See also

In Spanish: Allium galanthum para niños