Allium drummondii

Allium drummondii, also known as Drummond's onion, wild garlic and prairie onion, is a North American species of onion native to the southern Great Plains of North America. It is found in South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and northeastern Mexico. Allium drummondii is a bulb-forming perennial. The flowers appear in April and May, in a variety of colors ranging from white to pink. It is common, considered invasive in some regions.

Description

An onion family bulb plant. It grows to 25 cm high. The bulb is 25 mm tall and 15 mm in diameter

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Edible Uses

The bulb is primarily used as a condiment but can also be eaten as a vegetable. It is fairly small, reaching up to 25mm tall and 15mm in diameter, and can be prepared raw or cooked. Leaves are edible raw or cooked. The flowers can be eaten raw and are suitable as a garnish on salads.

Traditional Uses

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

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Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but like other members of its genus it is considered a healthy addition to the diet. It contains sulphur compounds that give it its onion flavour, and regular consumption can help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a digestive tonic, and support the circulatory system.

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 occurs naturally on dry prairies and calcareous hills in North America from Texas to New Mexico, north to Nebraska. It is often on limestone soils and dry hills.

Where It Grows

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Succeeds in the rock garden, though in cold wet areas it is best grown in a bulb frame or cold greenhouse. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. The plants are much liked by grazing animals and have become rare or absent on pasture land. 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 out seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle, or place three per pot to develop clumps more quickly. Grow on in the greenhouse through at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and large enough. Division is best in spring, though plants can be divided at any time during the growing season. Pot up divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until growing well before planting out into permanent positions.

Other Uses

The juice of the plant can be used 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.

Nutrition

Synonyms

References (7)

• Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994) (As Allium nuttallii)
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 5
• Jordan, J., et al, 2006, Vascular Plants Utilized by the Plains Apache in Southwestern Oklahoma, Publications of the Oklahoma Biological Survey. 2nd Series. Volume 7: 24-33, 2006
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
• Proc. Am. Acad. Arts 14:227. 1879 (As Allium nuttallii)

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