| Allium parvum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| clade: | Angiosperms |
| clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Allioideae |
| Genus: | Allium |
| Species: | A. parvum |
| Binomial name | |
| Allium parvum Kellogg |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Allium modocense |
|
Allium parvum is a species of wild onion known by the common name small onion. It is native to the western United States where it is a common member of the flora in rocky, dry areas, especially in talus. This onion has a bulb one to two and a half centimeters wide and bears a relatively short stem for an onion species, reaching a maximum of 12 centimeters tall. The two leaves are sickle-shaped. Atop the stem is an inflorescence of fewer than 30 flowers, which are generally pale pink with prominent dark midveins. This plant was a food and flavoring for the Paiute people.