Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens
Great basin onion, Great Basin Onion, Great Basin onion, Great Basin onion
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Alliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens (Great basin onion) is a native California herb in the Alliaceae family, recognized by coiled leaf tip and red-purple flowers with inrolled margins are key.
Great basin onion is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the Great Basin and Desert Mountains in rocky or sandy soil at elevations of 1,200 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces deep red-purple to white flowers with perianth parts that appear long and pointed due to inrolled margins. Growing with slender stems typical of onion species, it emerges from underground bulbs in clustered formations. Its narrow, linear leaves emerge from the base, characteristic of the Allium genus, and provide a delicate green backdrop to the distinctive flower clusters. This uncommon onion species represents an important botanical component of its high-elevation desert and basin habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species, coiled leaf tip and red-purple flowers with inrolled margins are key
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky or sandy soil
Elevation: 1200-2100 m
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona
Bloom period
Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Triteleia: Allium smells like onion when crushed; triplet lily has no smell.; vs Agapanthus: Allium smells like onion; lily-of-the-Nile has no smell and much larger flowers.; vs Dipterostemon: Allium smells like onion when crushed; ookow has no onion smell.; vs Nothoscordum: Allium smells like onion when crushed; false garlic has no smell.; vs Tulbaghia: Allium has flowers in tight umbels; society garlic has flowers in loose open clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens native to California?
Yes. Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens bloom?
Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens belong to?
Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens is in the Alliaceae family, genus Allium.
Is Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens rare or endangered?
Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens grow in?
Allium atrorubens var. atrorubens grows in Rocky or sandy soil.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.