**Description:**
– Twincrest onion is a perennial growing at altitudes of 2000 to 2900 meters.
– It reaches heights between 10 to 40 cm with round, egg-shaped light bulbs.
– The bulbs emit a strong odor when cut.
– Flower heads are 10-15mm long with varying shades of purple or pink.
– Leaves are long, flat, and emit odor when scratched.
**Habitat and Ecology:**
– Allium bisceptrum is found in mixed pine forests or wetland-riparian habitats in California.
– It thrives near streambanks, in aspen groves, or meadows.
– Ideal habitats include mixed pine forests and wetland-riparian areas.
– The plant is commonly found in California and other states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.
– Isolated populations exist in northern Idaho and southeastern Washington.
**Distribution:**
– In California, A. bisceptrum is distributed across multiple counties.
– It is also widely distributed in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Oregon and Idaho.
– Isolated populations have been reported in northern Idaho and southeastern Washington.
– The plant is found in various counties in California including Alpine, El Dorado, and San Bernardino.
– Its distribution extends to states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.
**Uses:**
– Twincrest onions grow at high elevations and thrive in cold environments.
– They can be grown from seeds planted outdoors in early fall.
– Bulbs and bulblets can be planted for quicker maturity and flowering.
– Native Americans like the Washoe use the plant for culinary purposes.
– Wild animals such as elk, bears, and prairie dogs consume the bulbs.
**References:**
– NatureServe Explorer provides information on Allium bisceptrum.
– The plant was first described and published in 1871 under Clarence King.
– Various botanical databases and resources document the plant’s details.
– County distribution maps show the range of A. bisceptrum.
– NatureServe is a valuable resource for information on plant species.