Allium atrorubens var. cristatum
Inyo onion, Inyo Onion, Inyo onion, Inyo onion
Photo: parent species Allium atrorubens · (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Alliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Allium atrorubens var. cristatum (Inyo onion) is a native California herb in the Alliaceae family, recognized by differs from var. atrorubens in flower color and shape.
Inyo onion is a rare (CNPS 4.3) California native perennial found in the southern eastern Sierra Nevada and desert mountains in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,200 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces pale pink flowers with perianth parts that are +- ovate and acute. Growing with slender stems characteristic of the onion genus, it emerges from underground bulbs in scattered clusters. Its narrow leaves are typical of onion species, emerging from the base of the plant. The fruit develops from its delicate pale pink floral structures in the late spring to early summer season.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species, differs from var. atrorubens in flower color and shape
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sands
Elevation: 1200-2100 m
California counties: Mono, Inyo, Kern, Tulare, San Bernardino, Alpine
Outside California: western Nevada, southwestern Utah
Bloom period
Allium atrorubens var. cristatum blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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. cristatum native to California?
Yes. Allium atrorubens var. cristatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Allium atrorubens var. cristatum bloom?
Allium atrorubens var. cristatum blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Allium atrorubens var. cristatum grow?
Allium atrorubens var. cristatum occurs in Mono, Inyo, Kern, Tulare, San Bernardino, Alpine, at elevations of 1200-2100 m.
What plant family does Allium atrorubens var. cristatum belong to?
Allium atrorubens var. cristatum is in the Alliaceae family, genus Allium.
Is Allium atrorubens var. cristatum rare or endangered?
Allium atrorubens var. cristatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
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.