How much sun does Red Sierra Onion need?

Red Sierra Onion grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Red Sierra Onion bloom?

Red Sierra Onion blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Red Sierra Onion native?

Red Sierra Onion (Allium obtusum) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Red Sierra Onion attract?

Red Sierra Onion draws bees and butterflies.

Is Red Sierra Onion HOA-friendly?

Red Sierra Onion takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Red Sierra Onion

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Allium obtusum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Red Sierra Onion (Allium obtusum) 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

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, NV

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada

Red sierra onion is a compact native bulb that produces small clusters of pink to reddish flowers on short stems in late spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant perennial goes dormant in summer heat and returns each spring from underground bulbs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Red Sierra Onion takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Disappears completely when dormant in summer
Very small size makes it appear sparse in formal settings
Can look like wild onion or weeds to untrained eyes

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the late spring blooming period. The bulbs provide food for some wildlife species.

Common questions

How much sun does Red Sierra Onion need?: Red Sierra Onion grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Red Sierra Onion bloom?: Red Sierra Onion blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Red Sierra Onion native?: Red Sierra Onion (Allium obtusum) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Red Sierra Onion attract?: Red Sierra Onion draws bees and butterflies.
Is Red Sierra Onion HOA-friendly?: Red Sierra Onion takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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