Bulbs 1–3, larger bulbs each bearing 3–10 basal bulbels surrounding roots, not clustered on stout, primary rhizome, ovoid, 1–1.5 × 0.8–1.5 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, thin, membranous, lacking reticulation, without persistent fibers; inner coats whitish, cells vertically elongate or contorted, walls very sinuous. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 3–6, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blades solid, flat, channeled, 15–40 cm × 1–3 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, 1–3, clustered, erect, solid, terete, 15–40 cm × 1–4 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, loose, 10–30-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 3–4, 4–5-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acuminate. Flowers ± stellate to campanulate, 5–6 mm; tepals erect or ± spreading, ± flexuous, white or pinkish, lanceolate, ± equal, papery and withering away from fruit, margins entire or nearly so, apex obtuse, midribs thickened; stamens included; anthers yellow; pollen yellow; ovary crestless; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed to distinctly lobed; pedicel 1–2.5 mm, elongating in fruit. Seed coat shining; cells smooth. 2n = 14.

Flowering Mar--early Apr. Sandy soil; of conservation concern; 100--200 m; Tex.

Allium elmendorfii is known only from the Carrizo sands of eastern Bexar, Frio, Wilson, and Atacosa counties.