Allium brevistylum

Watson

Shortstyle onion, Short-stem Onion

Amaryllidaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Bulb Potential hazards — see below 695 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Allium brevistylum is a plant species native to the western United States. It grows in meadows and along stream banks high in the mountains of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, at elevations of 2200–3400 m. Allium brevistylum produces a thick, Iris-like underground rhizome, at the ends of which are bulbs up to 3 cm in diameter. Scapes are up to 60 cm tall, flattened and with narrow wings. Flowers are urn-shaped, up to 15 mm long; tepals pink with thick midribs; anthers and pollen yellow.

Description

An onion family plant. A bulb plant. It grows to 50 cm high. The plant has thick rhizomes.

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Edible Uses

The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked. It grows from thick, iris-like rhizomes and reaches up to 3cm long and 1cm wide. Leaves are also eaten raw or cooked — the young, succulent growth is particularly relished. Flowers are eaten raw and make an attractive garnish on salads.

Traditional Uses

The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The flowers are used raw or to flavour salads.

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Medicinal Uses

A poultice of the ground root and stems, or an infusion of them, can be used as a wash for carbuncles. More broadly, like other members of this genus, the plant is a healthy dietary addition — it contains sulphur compounds responsible for its onion flavour, and when eaten regularly it helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, tones the digestive system, and supports circulatory health.

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.

Distribution

It grows naturally in Western North America in the Rocky Mountains from Montana and Idaho to Utah and Colorado. It grows in swampy meadows and stream sides at medium to high elevations. It can grow in wetter soils than most onions.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. This species tolerates much wetter soils than most members of the genus but it dislikes winters with alternating periods of damp and cold and no snow cover, so it is best given a damp though well-drained soil. It requires plenty of moisture in the growing season. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Plants can be confused with A. validum. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle — placing three per pot will produce clumps more quickly. Grow on in a greenhouse through at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and large enough. For division, split plants in spring. They divide successfully at any point during the growing season; pot divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until established before planting out permanently.

Other Uses

The plant juice acts as a moth repellent. The whole plant is also said to repel insects and moles.

Notes

There are about 300-700 Allium species. Most species of Allium are edible (Flora of China). All alliums are edible but they may not all be worth eating! They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.