Description

The glassy onion is a common member of grassland communities on the lower slopes of the western Sierra Nevada and the southern SF Bay Area (Santa Clara County). After its long summer dormancy, the glassy onion greets the winter rains with several long narrow leaves. These are followed in early spring by an umbel of pink to pink-tinged white flowers. In late spring abundant seed is produced before the plant disappears for the summer. Plant glassy onion in a sunny location with fairly good drainage, or in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. No water should be given after flowering, although supplemental water should be given during dry winters. The glassy onion will slowly spread by offsets (small bulbs growing from the base of the central bulb). The bulb may be lifted every few years to harvest the bulblets.