Allium platycaule

Allium platycaule is a species of wild onion known as broadstemmed onion or flat-stem onion. It is native to northeastern California, south-central Oregon (Lake County) and northwestern Nevada (Washoe and Humboldt Counties). It is found on slopes of elevations of 1500–2500 m. Allium platycaule grows from a gray bulb 2 to 3 cm (3⁄4 to 1+1⁄4 in) wide. Scape is thin and strongly flattened, up to 25 cm (9+3⁄4 in) long but rarely more than 7 mm (1⁄4 in) across. It may be thicker along the midrib and much narrower along the sides. The long, flat leaves are sickle-shaped. Atop the stem is an umbel which may have as many as 90 flowers in it. Each flower may be up to a centimeter and a half wide but the tepals are quite narrow so as to be almost threadlike. The inflorescence therefore may appear be a dense ball of filaments. The flowers are generally bright pink to magenta with yellow anthers.

Description

An onion family plant. A bulb plant. The leaves are blue-green. They are usually flat to the ground. They are 20 cm long. There are 2 leaves per bulb. The flowers are deep pink. They are in heads on short stems. The flowers are small and star shaped.

Edible Uses

The bulbs grow in clusters on a rhizome and measure roughly 20–35mm in diameter; they can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves are edible raw or cooked and are used as an onion-flavoured relish. Flowers can be eaten raw as a garnish on salads. Seed heads can be placed in hot ashes for a few minutes, after which the seeds are extracted and eaten.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but members of this genus are generally considered healthy dietary additions. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and regular consumption is thought to help reduce blood cholesterol levels, tone the digestive system, and support 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 suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Where It Grows

Australia, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants. 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 once large enough to handle — placing three per pot will build clumps more quickly. Grow under greenhouse conditions for at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and sufficiently sized. Division is best done in spring, though plants can be divided at any point 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 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.

Synonyms

References (2)

• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 127
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

More from Amaryllidaceae

Allium rhizomatum

Ciboa

🌱

Allium rinae

Allium robustum

Robust garlic

Allium rosenbachianum

Allium rosenorum

Allium roseum

Rosy Garlic, Rosy-flowered garlic