Allium maackii facts for kids

Allium maackii is a fascinating type of wild onion that grows naturally in northeastern Asia. You can find it in regions like Heilongjiang in China, and several areas in Russia, including Amur Oblast, Primorye, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands. This plant loves to grow on rocky cliffs and steep hillsides. It usually lives at high elevations, typically between 200 and 500 meters (about 650 to 1,640 feet) above sea level.

What Does Allium maackii Look Like?

This special onion has a few unique features that help you identify it.

Underground Bulbs

Like many onions, Allium maackii grows from a bulb underground. These bulbs can be shaped like a cylinder or an egg. They are usually quite small, growing up to 15 millimeters (about half an inch) across.

Stems and Leaves

The plant sends up a tall, straight stem called a scape. These scapes can reach up to 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) in height. The leaves of Allium maackii are flat and narrow, looking much like the leaves of other onion plants you might know.

Beautiful Flowers

One of the most striking parts of Allium maackii is its flowers. They grow in a dense cluster called an umbel, which looks like a small, crowded bouquet. Each flower is a lovely rose pink color. It also has a distinct dark purple stripe running down the middle of each petal, making it quite eye-catching.