Common Name: Aspen Onion

General Information

Allium bisceptrum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 5 leaves 8 - 30cm long and a flowering scape 10 - 30cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of plants[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

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

Western N. America - Oregon to Idaho, south to California and New Mexico.

Habitat

Meadows and aspen groves, occasionally on open slopes[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium bisceptrum is only hardy in the milder regions of the temperate zone, it should tolerate temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. They were usually harvested in spring or early summer[]. The bulbs are 10 - 15mm wide[].

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a relish[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

The seed heads can be placed in hot ashes for a few minutes, then the seeds extracted and eaten[].

Medicinal

The plant juice has been used as an appetite restorer[].

Although no other 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. The plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season, pot up the divisions in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.