Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Allium canadense L.
Meadow garlic, Wild garlic, Wild onion
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Meadow garlic or wild garlic’s sparse cluster of grass-like leaves and its 8-12 in. flowering stalk grow from a bulb. From between narrow, grass-like leaves, which originate near its base, rises a
stem topped by a dome-like cluster of star-shaped, pink or whitish flowers; plant has strong, onion-like odor.
This
native perennial has a brown,
fibrous skin on an edible
bulb that tastes like onion.
Image Gallery:
10 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , MT , NE , NH , NJ , NY , NC , ND , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
ON ,
QC Native Distribution: N.B. to SD, s. to n. FL & TX
Native Habitat: Open woods; prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moderately rich, neutral soils.
Conditions Comments: Some Allium species can become weedy in warmer climates. Tolerates all conditions well; very hearty plant. Make sure soil is well-drained, plants will rot in standing water. Generally free of pests and disease, although some people have had problems with slugs.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Bulbs and leaves are eaten by wild turkeys.
Use Food: There are many
bulb forming plants that resemble wild onions, some are toxic. Only harvest plants with the distinct odor of onions. The chopped green leaves can be used like chives and the bulbs are cooked as any other onions.
Use Medicinal: Crushed bulbs applied to insect stings.
Bulbs eaten raw for scurvy. Tea of bulbs to control coughs and vomiting. Infusion of
bulb used as eyewash and ear and for ear infections. Bruised onion to treat stings of bees and wasps.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
2012-12-06
