Allium validum
S. Watson
Swamp onion
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(c) Tom Hilton, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Summary
Source: WikipediaAllium validum is a species of flowering plant commonly called swamp onion, wild onion, Pacific onion, or Pacific mountain onion. It is native to the Cascade Range, the Sierra Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and other high-elevation regions in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho and British Columbia. It is a perennial herb and grows in swampy meadows at medium and high elevations.
Description
An onion family plant. It can grow to 1 m tall. The leaves are simple and narrow and develop from the base. The flowers are purple. The brown capsules are edible.
Edible Uses
The bulb is fairly large — up to 5cm in diameter — and grows in clusters from thick, iris-like rhizomes. It is somewhat fibrous but works very well as a flavouring in soups and stews, and can also be eaten raw. Leaves are edible raw or cooked. The flowers can be eaten raw and are used as a garnish on salads.
Traditional Uses
The bulbs are used as flavouring in soups and stews. 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 as a member of the Allium genus it is a generally healthy addition to the diet. Like its relatives, it contains sulphur compounds responsible for its onion-like flavour. Eaten regularly, these help reduce blood cholesterol, support the digestive system, and tone 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 suits dry to moist soils. It is best in a sandy loam soil and pH between 6.2-8. It can tolerate frost. It needs a frost free period of 19 weeks.
Where It Grows
Canada, North America, USA,
Cultivation
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil. This species tolerates much wetter soils than most members of the genus but it dislikes winters with alternating periods of damp and cold and no snow cover, so it is best given a damp though well-drained soil. It requires plenty of moisture in the growing season. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply. 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 when large enough to handle — three plants per pot will produce clumps more quickly. Grow on under glass for at least the first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in spring once growing vigorously and sufficiently sized. Division in spring is reliable; plants can be divided at any point during the growing season. Pot up divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until well established before planting out into their permanent positions.
Other Uses
The juice of the plant can be used as a moth repellent, and the whole plant is 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.
References (4)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 7
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Tozer, F., 2007, The Uses of Wild Plants. Green Man Publishing. p 24
- S. Watson et al., Botany [fortieth parallel] 350. 1871 (in C. King, U.S. geol. explor. 40th Parallel vol. 5)
