Quick facts for kids Small onion |
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| Allium parvum |
| Scientific classification |
| Synonyms |
- Allium modocense Jeps.
- Allium pleianthum var. particolor M.E.Jones
- Allium tribracteatum var. andersonii S.Watson
- Allium tribracteatum var. parvum (Kellogg) Jeps.
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Allium parvum is an American species of wild onion known by the common name small onion. It is native to the western United States where it is a common member of the flora in rocky, dry areas in mountainous areas, especially in talus at elevations of 1,200–2,800 m (3,900–9,200 ft). It is widespread in California, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho, and also reported from western Utah and from extreme southwestern Montana (Ravalli and Beaverhead Counties)
Allium parvum has a bulb one to two and a half centimeters wide and bears a relatively short scape for an onion species, rarely more than 12 centimeters tall. The two leaves are sickle-shaped. Atop the stem is an umbel of fewer than 30 flowers, which are generally pale pink with prominent dark midveins. Anthers are purple or yellow; pollen yellow.
Uses
This plant was a food and flavoring for the Paiute people.
