onions
ExplorePlants
onions
Allium
Onions are crunchy vegetables that grow underground. They have a strong smell and can make you cry when you cut them! Onions are used in many tasty dishes around the world.
Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens
Appearance
The onion has long, hollow, tube-like green leaves growing from a buried bulb. Its spherical white, yellow, or purple bulb has papery skin. When flowering, it produces a tall stalk topped with a globe of tiny white or pink blossoms.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAmaryllidaceaeGenusAllium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians worshipped onions, seeing their rings as eternal life!
Onions were once used as a type of money in the Middle Ages!
The amazing onion plant has been grown by humans for over 7,000 years!
The world record for the heaviest onion ever grown is over 18 pounds!
Special abilities
Ability
Tear-jerker Defense
Onions release sulfur compounds when cut, irritating eyes to deter munching pests.
Ability
Underground Food Storage
Its plump bulb stores food and water, allowing it to survive tough conditions.
Ability
Self-Protecting Wrapper
Papery outer layers of the bulb protect the juicy inner layers from drying out.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-90 cm
- Spread
- 10-20 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar from onion flowers
eaten by
Onion maggot
Delia antiqua
larvae feed on onion bulbs
eats
Human
Homo sapiens
widely cultivated and consumed
Traits
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Agricultural
This human use trait describes species cultivated or domesticated by humans for agricultural purposes, including crops and livestock.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Bulb OnionCommon OnionGreen OnionOnionScallionSpring Onion
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after handling onions, and ask an adult before cooking with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is onions?
30-90 cm
How wide does onions spread?
10-20 cm
How big are the flowers on onions?
0.5-1 cm
When does onions bloom?
Summer
Is onions edible?
Yes
Is onions toxic?
Mild
What is onions's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is onions pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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