Allium howellii
Allium howellii is a North American species of wild onion known by the common name Howell's onion. It is endemic to California.
Description
Allium howellii is a tall onion plant, producing a stem which may exceed half a meter in height from a reddish-brown bulb one to two centimeters long. There is a single cylindrical leaf about as long as the stem. The inflorescence holds up to 100 dark-veined lavender to white flowers, each under a centimeter long.
Varieties
Several varieties have been named:Allium howellii var. clokeyi Ownbey & Aase ex Traub - San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara countiesAllium howellii var. howellii - Merced, Fresno, Kern, San Luis Obispo countiesAllium howellii var. sanbenitense Ownbey & Aase - San Benito County
Distribution and habitat
Howell's onion grows in the granite and serpentine soils of several mountain ranges, hills, and valleys from San Joaquin County to San Bernardino County.