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Hooker's onion

Allium acuminatum

Hooker's onion is a special plant that grows in the wild. It has long, slender leaves and pretty purple flowers that bloom in spring. This plant is a favorite for bees and butterflies!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Hooker's onion has striking bright pink to magenta, bell-shaped flowers that cluster together on a slender stem. Its narrow, grass-like leaves often wither before the flowers appear, which grow from a papery, elongated bulb.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAmaryllidaceaeGenusAllium
Hooker's onion
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgegrasslike trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Hooker's onion

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Indigenous peoples traditionally ate these bulbs, enjoying their mild onion flavor!

Its scientific name "acuminatum" means "tapering to a point," like its petals!

Some wild onions can grow so fast, their leaves sprout before the snow fully melts!

The bulbs have many papery layers, looking like tiny, striped lanterns underground!

Special abilities

Ability

Bulb Power-Up

Hooker's onion has an underground bulb that stores water and food, helping it survive hot, dry summers.

Ability

Rocky Resilience

This plant can grow strong roots in thin, rocky soils, allowing it to thrive where other plants struggle.

Ability

Scenty Shield

Hooker's onion emits a strong onion smell that helps deter hungry animals from nibbling its tasty parts.

Ability

Pointy Petals

Its unique petals taper to a sharp point (acuminate), a distinct feature that helps identify it among other wild onions.

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
5-15 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Yellow-faced Bumblebee

Bombus vosnesenskii

collects nectar and pollen

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

grazes on leaves and flowers

eaten by

Long-tailed Vole

Microtus longicaudus

eats nutrient-rich underground bulbs

pollinates

Bumble Bee Mimic Digger Bee

Anthophora bomboides

visits flowers for nectar

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any wild plants unless a grown-up says it's safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Hooker's onion?

The easiest way to identify Hooker's onion is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Hooker's onion?

10-50 cm

How wide does Hooker's onion spread?

5-15 cm

How big are the flowers on Hooker's onion?

0.5-1 cm

When does Hooker's onion bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Hooker's onion edible?

Yes

Is Hooker's onion toxic?

None

What is Hooker's onion's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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