Allium textile

A. Nelson & J. F. Macbr.

Textile onion, Prairie onion

Amaryllidaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves, Root, Bulb Potential hazards — see below 3,625 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Allium textile (prairie onion or textile onion) is a common species of wild onion found in the central part of North America.

Description

An onion family plant. It is a herb. It grows 8-25 cm tall. It has a bulb. There are 2 leaves and they are very narrow and grooved. The flowers are white or pale pink and small and lily shaped. There are several flowers in small clusters at the end of the slender stem. The fruit is a small, dry capsule with a few seeds. The leaves have a strong odour.

Edible Uses

The bulb, up to 2cm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked and is used as an onion substitute in stews and similar dishes. It can be eaten fresh or stored for later use. The leaves are 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 very 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 on dry prairie hillsides.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Plants require a period of summer rest at which time they should be kept dry or they are likely to rot, they are therefore more easily 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. Closely related to A. stellatum. 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 straightforward; plants can be divided at any point during the growing season. Pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until growing well before planting 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

Allium aridum Rydb.and others

Also Known As

Allium textile (Textile or Prairie Onion)

References (7)

A monograph of the genus Allium 36. 1827, nom. nudum (As Allium reticulatum)
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)
Cormack, R. G. H., 1967, Wild Flowers of Alberta. Commercial Printers Edmonton, Canada. p 31
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 41 (As Allium reticulatum)
MacKinnon, A., et al, 2009, Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine. p 192

Show all 7 references