Allium sacculiferum

Maxim.

Chao xian xie

Amaryllidaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Bulb Potential hazards — see below 139 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Allium sacculiferum, also called northern plain chive or triangular chive, is an East Asian species of wild onion native to Japan, Korea, eastern Russia (Amur Oblast, Khabarovsk, Primorye), and northeastern China (Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning). It is found along the banks of lakes and rivers at elevations less than 500 m. Allium sacculiferum makes one or two egg-shaped bulbs up to 20 mm across. Scapes are up to 70 cm tall, round in cross-section. Leaves are flat, shorter than the scape, up to 5 mm across. Umbels are spherical, with many flowers crowded together. Tepals are lilac to reddish-violet with darker midveins.

Description

An onion family plant. It is a bulb plant. The bulb can be single or in pairs. They are 0.7-1.5 cm across. The outer covering is dark brown. It is thinly leathery. There are 3-5 leaves which are linear and shorter than the scape. They are 3-4 mm wide. The scape is 30-60 cm high. It is covered with leaf sheaths for 1/2 its length. The flower head is round with many flowers.

Edible Uses

The bulb, up to 15mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked and works well added to soups. The leaves are also edible raw or cooked, and similarly suit soups. The flowers are eaten raw and make an attractive garnish on salads.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but members of this genus are generally considered healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds — responsible for their characteristic onion flavour — and regular consumption can help reduce blood cholesterol levels, tone the digestive system, and support healthy circulation.

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 is a temperate plant. It grows in meadows and beside rovers from 100-500 m altitude in N China.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Russia,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It is likely to tolerate wetter soils than many other members of the genus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. This species is probably no more than a synonym of A. thunbergii. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other 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 out seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle; placing three plants per pot will build clumps more quickly. Grow them on under glass for at least their first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in spring once they are vigorous and well-sized. For division, spring is the recommended time, though the plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season. Pot the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well before planting out permanently.

Other Uses

The plant's juice serves as a moth repellent, and the whole plant is said to deter both 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

Allium komarovianum VvedenskyAllium pseudojaponicum MakinoAllium yuchianii Y.Z.Zhao & J.Y.Chaoand others

References (5)

Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 126
Hwang, H., et al, 2013, A Study on the Flora of 15 Islands in the Western Sea of Jeollanamdo Province, Korea. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Vol. 6, No. 2 281-310
Hwang, HS, et al, 2014, Distribution characteristics of plant in the Ungseokbong Mountain, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 7(2014) e164-e178
Mem. Acad. Imp. Sci. St.-Petersbourg Divers Savans 9:281. 1859 (Prim. fl. amur.)
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.pfaf.org