Allium obtusum var. conspicuum
Showy red sierra onion
Photo: parent species Allium obtusum · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Alliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Allium obtusum var. conspicuum (Showy red sierra onion) is a native California herb in the Alliaceae family, recognized by No sympatric species - geographically isolated.
Showy red sierra onion is a California native perennial found in northern and central Sierra Nevada in granitic sand habitats at elevations of 800 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces pink flowers in clusters containing 10 to 60 blooms with lanceolate, acute perianth parts. Growing with slender stems up to 25 centimeters tall, it emerges from underground bulbs with distinctive growth characteristics. Its single leaf is widely channeled and measures 1 to 2.5 times the length of the stem, providing a unique structural profile. The compact, clustered inflorescence creates an elegant display of delicate pink blossoms against the rocky, sandy landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: No sympatric species - geographically isolated
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Granitic sands
Elevation: 800-3000 m
California counties: Fresno, Amador, Calaveras, Nevada, Butte, Colusa, Madera, Alpine
Bloom period
Allium obtusum var. conspicuum blooms May-Jun.
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 obtusum var. conspicuum native to California?
Yes. Allium obtusum var. conspicuum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Allium obtusum var. conspicuum bloom?
Allium obtusum var. conspicuum blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Allium obtusum var. conspicuum grow?
Allium obtusum var. conspicuum occurs in Fresno, Amador, Calaveras, Nevada, Butte, Colusa, Madera, Alpine, at elevations of 800-3000 m.
What plant family does Allium obtusum var. conspicuum belong to?
Allium obtusum var. conspicuum is in the Alliaceae family, genus Allium.
What habitat does Allium obtusum var. conspicuum grow in?
Allium obtusum var. conspicuum grows in Uncommon. Granitic sands.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.