SCIENTIFIC NAME: Allium canadense var. mobilense (Allium mutabile)
COMMON NAMES: Glade Onion, Wild Onion, Meadow Garlic
BLOOM TIME: Apr, May
PLANT PROFILE:
- Has hollow 6-8 in. long stems.
- Flowers cluster at the top of stem.
- Each flower has 1/4-1 in. stem & 6 sepals that are rose- pink to white.
- Flowers fade as they age.
- Plants have bulbs.
- Habitat: open unshaded areas.
- If rainfall sufficient, sometimes rebloom in fall.
- Can be identified by onion scent.
- Bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked, leaves eaten raw or cooked, & flowers eaten raw and used as garnish.
INSECT/ANIMAL INTERACTIONS:
- There have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities & by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.
- The species is hermaphrodite (has both male & female organs) & is pollinated by bees & insects.