Amaryllis Family – Amaryllidaceae
Actual flower size: 3/4 inch wide
Scalloped Onion is also called Olympic Onion.
Plant Description: Scalloped Onion is 4 inches tall a perennial. The flowering stem is flattened or somewhat square, often with wavy margins, and has an upright umbel of several to many pink or white flowers. The pedicels (flower stems) are about the same length as the tepals. There are usually 2 leaves, flattened, much longer than the flowering stem, curled to one side and lying on the ground.
Flower Description: The tepals are 6, white, pinkish or rose, 1/4 to 1/2 long, narrow and pointy, with deeper pink mid-veins. The 6 stamen are about the length of the tepals with yellow or purplish anthers.
Ecology: Scalloped Onion grows on dry rocky outcrops, gravely balds, at moderate to high elevations. It is also found at lower elevations in the Columbia Gorge.
Note: Scalloped Onion has been moved from the Lily Family to the Amaryllis Family. See “APG Changes” page.
Scalloped Onion Photo Gallery