Herb with ovoid to spherical bulbs. Leaves 2-6, linear, stem-sheathing, semi-terete, hollow, usually shorter than inflorescence. Inflorescence 5-90 cm, stem hollow, spathes 2, umbel loose. Flowers numerous, bulbils sometimes present, 3.5-5.5 mm long, cylindrical, keeled; spring-summer.Tepals pink to red-brown. Stamens longer than tepals.

Europe, North Africa and western Asia.

Sometimes grown in gardens as a border plant in full sun.

Updated by: Niels Klazenga, March 2018