Common Name: Twistedleaf Garlic

General Information

Allium obliquum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 6 - 10 leaves 40 - 80cm long and a flowering scape 60 - 100cm tall from an underground bulb[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is cultivated for its edible bulb in Siberia, where it is used as a garlic substitute[, ], and has potential for cultivation on a larger scale[].

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[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Europe - Romania, eastern European Russia; Asia - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, western Siberia, Mongolia and Tibet[]

Habitat

Meadows and wooded slopes[]. Forests and meadows in northwest Tibet[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium obliquum is an easily grown plant succeeding in areas with cold winters and also tolerant of heavy rainfall areas[].
An easily grown plant[], it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in damp acid soils and in heavy clay[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
This species is closely related to the Welsh onion, Allium fistulosum[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , ]. A garlic substitute[, , , ]. The bulbs are 20 - 30mm in diameter[, , ].

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal

The plant has become attractive in Europe for its medicinal uses[].
Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been seen for this species, members of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur compounds (which give them their onion flavour) and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Allium species usually grow well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but they inhibit the growth of legumes[, , ]. They are, in general, bad companions for alfalfa - each species negatively affecting the other[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Other Uses

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the juice of most species in this genus (especially those with a strong onion or garlic smell) can be used as a moth repellent[].
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle - if you want to produce clumps more quickly then put three plants in each pot. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in spring once they are growing vigorously and are large enough.
Division in spring. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season and the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.