Common Name:

General Information

Allium altissimum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a globose bulb around 30mm in diameter; it produces 4 - 6 leaves and a flowering stem that can be 80 - 150cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is often grown as an ornamental, vslued especially for its long flowering stem and large head of flowers about 8cm in diameter[].

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

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Range

Western to central Asia - northeast Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Habitat

Gullies[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium altissimum is native to semi-arid regions of the temperate zone. It can tolerate winter temperatures falling as low as -20°c, but is intolerant of wet climates[].
Requires a very well-drained soil in a warm position[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bulb is antiseptic, appetizer and digestive[].

Although no further 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.