Allium senescens

German garlic, Broadleaf chives, Shan jiu

Amaryllidaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Bulb Potential hazards — see below 665 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Allium senescens, commonly called aging chive, German garlic, broadleaf chives, or dumebuchu, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Allium (which includes all the ornamental and culinary onions and garlic).

Description

An onion family plant. It is a bulb plant. It grows 30-50 cm high and spreads 20-60 cm wide. There are one or two bulbs. They are oval or cone shaped. They are 1-2 cm across. They are attached to a rhizome or underground stem. The outer covering is usually blackish. The leaves are arranged in spirals. They are narrow and shorter than the scape. They are 7-10 mm wide and flat and thick. The scape is 30-60 cm long. It is 2 angled and has 2 narrow wings. It is covered with the leaf sheaths only at the base. They flower head is half round and has many flowers.

Edible Uses

The clustered bulbs grow on a rhizome and reach up to 10mm in diameter; they can be eaten raw or cooked and work well as an onion substitute. The leaves have a fairly strong onion flavour with a slight bitterness but are acceptable raw — good in salads or as a flavouring in cooked dishes. The flowers are edible raw and make an attractive garnish in salads.

Traditional Uses

The bulbs, leaves and young shoots are used as food.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but members of this genus are generally considered very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds responsible for their onion flavour, and eaten regularly they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system, 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 very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible.

Distribution

It is a temperate climate plant. It grows in forests and on dry stony slopes and salty meadows and in gravely places between 500-800 m altitude in N China. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Slovenia,

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant. A very ornamental plant, it is frequently confused with A. montanum. 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 when large enough to handle — for faster clumps, place three plants per pot. Grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once growing vigorously. Division in spring is very easy; plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season and the divisions planted straight into their permanent positions if needed.

Other Uses

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

Other Information

It is a main wild vegetable in the Hexi corridor QiLian Mountains, China.

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 baicalense Willd.Allium senescens f. albiflorum Q.S. Sun.and several others

Also Known As

Gorski luk, Jeongguji, Manggir, Ulleungdobuchu

References (20)

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"Chinese Nutrition Journal", 2002, Vol 23(8) p 298
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 128
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 6
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 43

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