Allium oxyphilum
Wherry
Lillydale Onion
G2ImperiledGlobal Rank
moemeikle, CC BY 4.0
Seb H, CC BY 4.0
Deniz Wilson, CC0 1.0
Dominique Caron, CC0 1.0
Michelle Norcéide, CC BY 4.0
Deniz Wilson, CC0 1.0
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.139597
Element CodePMLIL022N0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassMonocotyledoneae
OrderAsparagales
FamilyAmaryllidaceae
GenusAllium
Other Common Names
lillydale onion (EN)
Concept Reference
Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic Comments
Allium oxyphilum is maintained as a distinct species by Kartesz (1994, 1999), Flora of Virginia (2012), and Weakley (2023). In contrast, FNA (vol. 26, 2002) included A. allegheniense and A. oxyphilum in A. cernuum.
Conservation Status
Rank MethodExpertise without calculation
Review Date2014-07-21
Change Date1997-04-19
Edition Date1996-07-23
Edition AuthorsSargent, B. and D. Walton (1996), rev. L. Oliver (2014)
Range Extent<100-250 square km (less than about 40-100 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank Reasons
This species is a regional endemic occurring in West Virginia and Virginia, but has taxonomic questions. It is found chiefly on shale barrens, and most populations have fewer than 500 plants.
Range Extent Comments
Endemic to West Virginia, and adjacent Virginia.
Occurrences Comments
There are eighteen extant occurrences of this element.
Threat Impact Comments
The habitat of A. oxyphilum is generally unsuitable for development. It may be subject to grazing and trampling, as well as habitat destruction from powerline and road construction. Invasive plant species may also be a threat. Somewhat threatened by forest management practices and lack of disturbance resulting in succession (Southern Appalachian Species Viability Project 2002).
Ecology & Habitat
Diagnostic Characteristics
Flowers white; pedicels 2-4 cm long; perianth segments are obtuse (Strausbaugh & Core, 1978).
Habitat
Occurs on acid soils (Strausbaugh & Core, 1978). Most occurrences in West Virginia are on shale barrens, but this species has been noted on sandstone outcroppings as well.
Ecology
In West Virginia, Allium oxyphilum occurs at 18 sites. The largest population consists of 18,000 plants occurring in several subpopulations. The shale barren is on a south-facing slope with areas of open xeric hardwoods with a grass-sedge understory, shale and sandstone ledges, and xeric grass balds. It is often found on bare shale at this site, and it is most common in the more open areas. At other sites, it has been found in acidic and calcareous soils and atop boulders. Most populations in West Virginia contain 100-400 plants. Although populations are medium-sized and need revisited, the species appears stable in the state.
Reproduction
Sexual reproduction. Bumblebees have been noted pollinating this species (R. Bartgis, pers. comm., 1985).
Terrestrial Habitats
Bare rock/talus/scree
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN2
| Province | Rank | Native |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | S2 | Yes |
| Virginia | S1 | Yes |
Plant Characteristics
DurationPERENNIAL
Economic Value (Genus)Yes
Roadless Areas (6)
Virginia (5)
| Area | Forest | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Beards Mountain | George Washington National Forest | 7,505 |
| Jerkemtight | George Washington National Forest | 16,687 |
| Mill Mountain | George Washington National Forest | 10,840 |
| Oliver Mountain | George Washington National Forest | 13,090 |
| Price Mountain | Jefferson National Forest | 9,119 |
West Virginia (1)
| Area | Forest | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Mountain | Monongahela National Forest | 19,020 |
References (4)
- Kartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
- Southern Appalachian Species Viability Project. 2002. A partnership between the U.S. Forest Service-Region 8, Natural Heritage Programs in the Southeast, NatureServe, and independent scientists to develop and review data on 1300+ regionally and locally rare species in the Southern Appalachian and Alabama region. Database (Access 97) provided to the U.S. Forest Service by NatureServe, Durham, North Carolina.
- Strausbaugh, P.D., and E.L. Core. 1978. Flora of West Virginia. Seneca Books, Inc., Grantsville, WV. 1079 pp.
- Weakley, A.S., and Southeastern Flora Team. 2023. Flora of the southeastern United States. Edition of April 14, 2023. University of North Carolina Herbarium (NCU), North Carolina Botanical Garden, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 2105 pp.