Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Allium acuminatum (Hooker’s Onion, Taper Tip Onion)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Liliopsida – Monocotyledons

Subclass Liliidae

Order Liliales

Family Liliaceae – Lily family

Genus Allium L. – onion

Species Allium acuminatum Hook. – tapertip onion

A wild onion found mainly in the Western states from British Columbia to California as well as regions of Idaho and Utah.

At first glance, this allium looks much like other wild onions; but there are some differences. It is found in clusters, and the grass-like leaves wither before it blooms.

The flowers of Hooker’s Onion are usually bright pink but can be white on occasion and are have tepals that are turned upward.

All parts of the plant have a classic onion odor and were occasionally used as a food source for coastal Indians.

Tapertip Onion bulbs can be planted in either Spring or Fall in a dry open sunny location. They will tolerate some moisture, providing the soil is well drained; but are happiest in a dry habitat.

They are important in habitat restoration and for aesthetic purposes in USDA zones 3-9.