Howell's onion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Howell's onion
Scientific classification

Allium howellii, also known as Howell's onion, is a type of wild onion plant. It grows naturally only in California, North America. This plant is special because it's found nowhere else in the world!

What Does Howell's Onion Look Like?

Howell's onion is a tall plant. It grows from a reddish-brown bulb (like a small onion) that is about 1 to 2 centimeters long. From this bulb, a stem grows up to half a meter (about 20 inches) tall. The plant has one long, round leaf that is usually as long as its stem.

At the top of the stem, you'll find a cluster of many small flowers. This cluster is called an inflorescence. It can hold up to 100 flowers! Each flower is less than a centimeter long and can be lavender (a light purple) or white, with dark veins.

Different Kinds of Howell's Onion

Just like there are different kinds of apples, there are also different kinds, or "varieties," of Howell's onion. These varieties are slightly different from each other and grow in specific areas. Here are the main ones:

• Allium howellii var. clokeyi - You can find this variety in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
• Allium howellii var. howellii - This variety grows in Merced, Fresno, Kern, and San Luis Obispo counties.
• Allium howellii var. sanbenitense - This one is found in San Benito County.

Where Does Howell's Onion Grow?

Howell's onion is found in different mountain ranges, hills, and valleys across California. It likes to grow in special types of soil, including granite and serpentine soils. You can find it from San Joaquin County all the way down to San Bernardino County.

See also

In Spanish: Allium howellii para niños