– Taxonomy and morphology:
– Allium validum bulb is 3-5 cm long, ovoid, and clustered.
– The outer coat of the stout rhizome is brown or gray, fibrous, and vertically lined.
– Stem is 50-100 cm long and angled.
– 3-6 leaves are more or less equal to the stem, flat, or keeled.
– 15-40 flowers with pedicels 7-12 mm long, flower itself 6-10 mm with perianth parts erect, lanceolate, and rose to white.
– Ecology:
– Common in California, found in wet meadows at elevations of 1,200 to 3,400 meters.
– Prefers sandy and loamy soils, well-drained soil.
– Grows in acid, basic, or alkaline soils with moisture and sun.
– Ethnobotany:
– Bulb can be used as a flavoring for soups and stews.
– Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.
– Flowers can be used as garnish on salads.
– Plant toxin insecticide:
– Can be used as a moth repellent.
– Whole plant is said to repel insects and moles.
– References:
– Allium validum is listed on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
– Additional resources include Flora of North America, BONAP, and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
– Various botanical references such as the Biota of North America Program and biodiversity heritage library are available.
– The plant is also documented in the Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West and The Jepson Manual.
– Online databases like the PFAF Plant Database provide information on Allium validum.