Redskin Onion

Bulbs 2–3+, usually clustered, short-rhizomatous at base, rhizome not stout or iris-like, oblong, 2–3 × 1–1.5 cm; outer coats enclosing single bulb, ± reddish brown, membranous, striations fine, cells narrow, elongate, vertical; inner coats deep red to white, finely striate, cells narrow, vertically elongate. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 3–6, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil level; blade solid, terete, 3-angled, 15–30 cm × 1–4 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, 1–2, clustered, erect, solid, slightly compressed, 10–40 cm × 1–3 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, 10–30-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2–4, 2–3-veined, ovate-lanceolate, ± equal, apex obtuse. Flowers campanulate, 6–8 mm; tepals erect, white to rose, with darker midvein, broadly ovate to lance-ovate, ± equal, becoming rigid and permanently investing capsule, margins entire, apex acute; stamens included; anthers white; pollen white to dark gray; ovary crested; processes 6, rounded, short, densely papillose; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, scarcely thickened, unlobed; pedicel 1–2 cm. Seed coat dull; cells minutely roughened. 2n = 14.

Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).

Flowering Mar--May.

Dry slopes and ridges of clay or stony soil; 50--800m.

Allium marvinii Davidson

Allium haematochiton is a North American species of wild onion known by the common name redskin onion. It is native to northern Baja California, Sonora, and southern California as far north as Kern County. It grows on the slopes of the hills and mountains, such as those of the Peninsular Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and southern California Coast Ranges.