Desert onion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Desert onion
Scientific classification
Synonyms
Allium deserticola (M.E. Jones) Wooton & Standl. Allium reticulatum var. deserticola M.E. Jones

The desert onion (scientific name: Allium macropetalum) is a special kind of wild onion. It grows naturally in the dry, desert areas of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. You can find it on desert plains and hills.

Where Does the Desert Onion Grow?

This plant loves dry places. It grows in states like Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States. It is also found in Sonora, a state in Mexico. The desert onion can grow at high places, sometimes up to 2,500 meters (about 8,200 feet) above sea level. This shows how tough it is!

What Does the Desert Onion Look Like?

The desert onion has a few unique features:

• Bulbs: It grows egg-shaped bulbs underground. These bulbs can be up to 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) long.
• Flowers: Its flowers are shaped like small bells. They can be pink or purple in color. Each flower is about 12 millimeters (less than half an inch) wide.
• Anthers: Inside the flowers, you'll see parts called anthers. These can be yellow or purple.

This plant is a beautiful part of the desert landscape.