Etymology: Allium: Latin for "garlic"
Plants: erect, perennial, 12"-28" tall forb, onion odor; from oval to conical bulb
Leaves: 3-6, basal, keeled, grass-like with pointed tips
Flowers: purple to pink, 6-parted, 1/4" -1/2" wide, stamens equal to or protruding from petal-like tepals; inflorescence erect, branched cluster (umbel); blooms July-Sept.
Fruits: 3-lobed capsule
Habitat: prairies, barrens, hills; in rocky, sandy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key