What physical feature is a strong indicator distinguishing A. vineale from many other wild alliums?
Answer
The presence of small, onion-like bulblets forming atop the flower scape.
A definitive characteristic strongly associated with *Allium vineale* is the formation of small, marble-sized aerial bulblets clustered at the top of the flower stalk, where a flower would typically bloom. These specialized reproductive structures serve as a major identifying feature. While *Allium canadense* can sometimes also produce aerial bulblets, their clear presence on the scape is a strong indicator pointing towards *A. vineale*, especially when contrasted with *Allium tricoccum*, which usually lacks these aerial features entirely.
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