Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 5/25/2006

Question
Central Michigan
Sometimes I have a stray bulb leaf pop up.  Many times its just one fat leaf...not real tall 8" or so.  But it does not bloom.
Is it planted too deep or just maybe a young bulb?
The leaf looks Tulip like.

Also: Scaley looking bulb...what is this?  Looks kind of like a pine cone only its white.

Also: Bulb smells onion like...is this a allium?

Obviously people have given me plants and bulbs and now I'm confused on what is what.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Q: stray bulb leaf pop up ??
A: Probably a tulip bulb which is non-blooming size. Because the bulb split last season.

Q: Scaley looking bulb...like a pine cone only white ??
A: Lily (lilium)

Q:  Bulb smells onion like...is this an allium ??
A: Likely, but several bulbs smell like this. Allium would smell more like garlic if broken into pieces. There are wild onions (grassy weeds) which smell like onions.