oneleaf onion ~ 05/13/12 ~ Fort Ord

oneleaf onion
Allium unifolium
Alliaceae (formerly Liliaceae)

posted 06/09/12 - I think this is one of the prettiest onions around. I particularly like the tapered shape of the filaments (structures that hold the light-yellow, pollen-bearing anthers) and the delicate pink color gradation. Because the flowers reminded me so much of superficial crosses between Triteleia, Brodiaea, and Toxicoscordion, all of which were also once placed in the lily family, I went on a futile search of Themidaceae and Melanthiaceae and totally ignored the onion-like appearance. The next time I'm crying my eyes out as I'm cutting up a cooking onion, I'll try to remember how beautiful the flowers can be.

three-cornered leek ~ 02/04/12 ~ Hatton Canyon

three-cornered leek
Allium triquetrum
Alliaceae (formerly Liliaceae)

Even though this is considered an invasive plant, I really enjoy seeing it as a sign of spring. The alleyways in town have a profusion of these small white flowers. Here in Hatton Canyon, it looks like they're just starting to bloom. It's originally from the Mediterranean.