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(Allium validum)
Pacific Onion (Allium validum)
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Ryan Elliott
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Ryan Elliott
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ryan Elliott | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ryan Elliott | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-07-09T13:02:59-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Allium validum, commonly known as Pacific Onion or Swamp Onion, is a deciduous perennial herb that is native to moist mountain meadows, wetlands, and streambanks in the Western United States. It typically grows up to 2 feet in height and forms dense clumps. Each plant produces a cluster of flowering stems adorned with spherical umbels of 15 to 40 star-shaped flowers. The flowers, which bloom from July to August, have pedicels seven to twelve millimeters long and perianth parts that are narrowly lanceolate and rose to white in color. The flowers are particularly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Pacific Onion is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in naturalistic plantings, such as rain gardens and alongside water features, where its moisture requirements can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers sandy and loamy soils with consistent moisture. While it tolerates a range of pH levels, it does best in well-drained, wet soils. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from herbivores such as deer. Despite its preference for wet conditions, it is relatively low maintenance once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pacific Onion is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in naturalistic plantings, such as rain gardens and alongside water features, where its moisture requirements can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers sandy and loamy soils with consistent moisture. While it tolerates a range of pH levels, it does best in well-drained, wet soils. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from herbivores such as deer. Despite its preference for wet conditions, it is relatively low maintenance once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Wet
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
native to moist mountain meadows, wetlands, and streambanks in the Western United States
Other Names
Common Names: Pacific Mountain Onion, Swamp Onion, Wild Onion, Tall Swamp Onion, Ail Robuste
Scientific Names: , Allium validum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Allium validum S.Watson