Hooker's onion (Allium acuminatum) is in the amaryllis, onions, and allies family (Amaryllidaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,016 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Nationally it blooms mainly from May to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Hooker's onion: observations by month (U.S.)
About Hooker's onion
Allium acuminatum, also known as the tapertip onion or Hooker's onion, a species in the genus Allium and is native to the Western United States and Canada. It has been reported from every state west of the Rocky Mountains, plus British Columbia.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Hooker's onion by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 307 | June | May–Jun |
| Washington | 271 | June | May–Jun |
| Idaho | 229 | June | May–Jun |
| Oregon | 155 | June | May–Jul |
| Colorado | 24 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Nevada | 13 | June | May–Jun |
| Wyoming | 11 | July | Jun–Jul |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (amaryllis, onions, and allies)
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Hooker's onion?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from May to June.
Where is Hooker's onion most often seen?
The most observations come from Utah, Washington, Idaho.