Allium membranaceum, commonly known as Papery Onion, is a perennial herb native to the open woodlands and chaparral of the southernmost Cascade Range, northern Coast Ranges, and Sierra Nevada foothills in California. It is typically found at elevations of 656 to 4,593 feet. This species grows from an egg-shaped bulb, which can be up to 1 inch long, and produces a stem that can reach 16 inches in height, accompanied by two or three long, flat leaves. The inflorescence boasts up to 35 star-shaped flowers, which are white or pale pink and become characteristically papery as they mature, usually blooming in late spring to early summer.

The Papery Onion is valued for its delicate, ornamental flowers and is often used in rock gardens, native plant gardens, and as a border plant. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires little water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It prefers full sun to light shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to onion white rot and other fungal diseases. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant can cause stomach upset if ingested and can be irritating to the skin.CC BY-SA 4.0