Allium yosemitense

Allium yosemitense is a California species of wild onion known by the common name Yosemite onion. Most of the known populations are situated within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park.

Description

Allium yosemitense grows from a bulb two to three centimeters long, producing a scape up to about in maximum height. It has two long flat leaves that are usually slightly longer than the scape. The umbel contains up to 50 white or pink flowers, each on a pedicel which may be over long.

Distribution and habitat

Allium yosemitense is endemic to the central Sierra Nevada of California. Populations have been recorded in three counties: El Dorado, Mariposa and Tuolumne. Most of the sites are inside Yosemite National Park.
The habitats in which Allium yosemitense can be found include: California interior chaparral and foothill woodlands, Sierra Nevada lower montane forest, Mediterranean California Lower Montane Black Oak-Conifer Forest.
Allium yosemitense is listed by the State of California as Rare, and included in the California Native Plant Society—CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California.