Allium suaveolens
Jacq.
Fragrant onion
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jakob Fahr, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jakob Fahr
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Jakob Fahr, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jakob Fahr
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Bob O'Kennon, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bob O'Kennon
Summary
Source: WikipediaAn evergreen bulbous plant reaching 0.5 m with year-round foliage and flowering from July to August. Hardy to UK zone 5, it adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acid to alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full light and prefers moist soil conditions. Pollinated by bees and insects.
Description
An evergreen bulbous plant reaching 0.5 m with year-round foliage and flowering from July to August. Hardy to UK zone 5, it adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acid to alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full light and prefers moist soil conditions. Pollinated by bees and insects.
Edible Uses
The bulb can be eaten raw or cooked, and the leaves are also suitable raw or cooked. The flowers are eaten raw and used as a garnish on salads.
Traditional Uses
The flowers can be eaten raw or used as a garnish in salads.
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 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 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 is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Albania, Europe, Slovenia,
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Succeeds in heavy soils and in light shade. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. Closely related to A. senescens, differing mainly in having keeled leaves. It has the same uses as that species. 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 quicker clumps, place three plants per pot. Grow under glass for at least the first winter, then plant out in spring once vigorous and large enough. Division in spring is very easy; plants can be divided successfully at any point during the growing season and the divisions planted straight out into permanent positions.
Other Uses
The plant's juice works 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
Also Known As
Dišeči luk
References (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Collectanea 2:305. 1789 ("1788"); Icon. pl. rar. 2: t. 364. 1789 ("1786-1793")
