Franciscan Onion (Allium peninsulare var. franciscanum) Login         


        Description
  • Grows to 18 inches tall.
  • EW Bloom Apr - May
  • Fruit contains many small black seeds.
  • Perhaps 15 butterflies and moths are hosted by this plant.
  • Found between Monterey and Mendocino counties.
  • CA native.
  • CNPS 1B Rare, Endangered.
  • AKA San Francisco Onion, San Francisco Bay Onion
  • Onion Family (Alliaceae)



Flowers cluster in an umbel at the top of the stem, wrapped in a paper-like sheath.



Pointed flower "petals" are in two whorls of 3. The outer whorl, technically sepals, is longer.



Narrow parallel-veined leaves are up to two feet long and smell like onion.

   Photo Gallery (16 ) click any picture to enlarge