Coastal Onion

(Allium dichalmydeum)

 

Coastal Onion in serpentine grasslands near Inspiration Point.

Will Elder, NPS

 

Origin Of Genus Name: Allium is Latin for "garlic."

Presidio Locations: Serpentine bluffs and serpentine grasslands.

Range In State: Northern California to Northern central coast.

Description: This native perennial species has long cylindrical leaves and re-sprouts from an underground bulb each year. Deep red-purple flowers are clustered in groups of 5-30. Blooms April to June.

Native Californian Uses: The greens and bulbs were eaten raw or cooked by the Pomo and the Kashaya.

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