Common Name:

General Information

Allium suaveolens is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a flowering scape 30 - 50cm tall from an underground bulb[]. The plant spreads by means of new bulbs being formed on a short rhizome and gradually forms a cluster of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
This species is listed as Endangered and Vulnerable in the Red Lists of several countries, but due to its relatively widespread distribution in parts of middle, southeastern and southwestern Europe, it is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

S. and C. Europe - France to Germany, south and east to Italy and Greece

Habitat

Damp meadows and moors[]. Wet sites, or sites with variable water levels (damp meadows, rich fen meadows and reed beds). It prefers soils rich in nutrients and alkaline minerals, but can grow in neutral, loam-, clay-, and turf soils[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bulb
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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 Allium senescens, differing mainly in having keeled leaves[].

Edible Uses

This species is closely related to Allium senescens, differing mainly in having keeled leaves[]. Although we have seen no records of specific uses for the plant, we have often eaten it and, since it is so closely related to Allium senescens, it is probably fair to say it has the same uses[]. These are:-

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. An onion substitute[, ]. The small bulbs are formed in clusters on a rhizome and are up to 10mm in diameter[]. The bulbs are 10 - 20mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ]. A fairly strong onion flavour with a slight bitterness, but acceptable raw[]. We use them in salads or as a flavouring in cooked foods[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. An attractive garnish in salads[].

Medicinal

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.