Allium howellii var. clokeyi
Mount pinos onion, Mount Pinos Onion, Mt. Pinos onion, Mt. Pinos onion
Photo: parent species Allium howellii · (c) paulexcoff, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Alliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Allium howellii var. clokeyi (Mount pinos onion) is a native California herb in the Alliaceae family, recognized by robust stature and large white flower clusters.
Mount pinos onion is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in northern Western Transverse Ranges in sagebrush scrub and open slopes at elevations of 1,300 to 1,850 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white flowers in dense clusters with 50 to 100 individual blossoms on pedicels 15 to 25 millimeters long. Growing with stout stems 20 to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges from underground bulbs in vertic clay soils. Its leaves are narrow and grass-like, typical of onion species, emerging from the base of the robust stem. The flower's white perianth parts are complemented by stamens that extend slightly beyond the petals, creating a delicate and distinctive appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; distinguished by robust stature and large white flower clusters
Habitat and range
Habitat: Locally common. Open slopes, sagebrush scrub, vertic clay
Elevation: 1300-1850 m
California counties: Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Allium howellii var. clokeyi blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 howellii var. clokeyi native to California?
Yes. Allium howellii var. clokeyi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Allium howellii var. clokeyi bloom?
Allium howellii var. clokeyi blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Allium howellii var. clokeyi grow?
Allium howellii var. clokeyi occurs in Ventura, Kern, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 1300-1850 m.
What plant family does Allium howellii var. clokeyi belong to?
Allium howellii var. clokeyi is in the Alliaceae family, genus Allium.
Is Allium howellii var. clokeyi rare or endangered?
Allium howellii var. clokeyi carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S2.
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.