Mexicali onion
Allium peninsulare
Last reviewed: September 2026
Mexicali onion (Allium peninsulare) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Mexicali onion (Allium peninsulare) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–16" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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A small bulb-forming perennial with grass-like leaves and a compact umbel of pink-purple, onion-scented flowers atop a slender stalk. It grows on rocky slopes and grassland, going dormant after spring bloom.
Growing Mexicali onion
Grow Mexicali onion in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 4 to 8 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its flowers provide nectar for native bees and small butterflies during spring bloom.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mexicali onion need?
- Mexicali onion grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mexicali onion bloom?
- Mexicali onion blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Mexicali onion native?
- Mexicali onion (Allium peninsulare) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Mexicali onion attract?
- Mexicali onion draws native bees and butterflies.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Mexicali onion? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.