Allium paniculatum L. is found throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The diversity of forms is rather pronounced. In Mediterranean climates, this species blooms in spring, goes dormant in late summer and grows leaves throughout winter. Height range: 30-70 cm. The photo below was taken by Nhu Nguyen at the UC Botanical Garden where it has escaped and can be found on dry hillsides.
According to World Flora Online in 2025 there are five subspecies, but Plants of the World Online considers most of them to be species in their own right. Allium obtusiflorum is now included in this species as Allium paniculatum ssp. obtusiflorum (Redouté) Brand by World Flora Online.
The first photo by Mark McDonough, a "tall white and brown form", is a nice attractive form growing up to 2' tall (60 cm) with a higher bud count than many paniculatum forms, spilling over with nodding bowl-shaped florets of white, subtlety stained pale olive-tan.
"Dwarf reddish form" -- This species occurs in a wide variety of colors. The one shown here is a common theme; basically having white flowers flushed and edged with brownish red. Growing only about 4"-6" (10-15 cm), it is well suited to the sunny rock garden in sandy soil. Photo and drawing by Mark McDonough
Allium paniculatum ssp. fuscum (Waldst. & Kit.) Arang., in 2025 is considered to be a synonym of Allium fuscum Waldst. & Kit. Photo by Mark McDonough who writes: "Of the dwarf reddish flowered forms of Allium paniculatum I liked this form the best, given to me by Jerry Flintoff. The white flowers are so generously tinged red that the mass of little flower sprays appears a pale flesh color when in bloom in July.
