Common Name: Mouse Garlic

General Information

Allium angulosum is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from an underground bulb; it produces 5 - 6 leaves 15 - 30cm long and a flowering scape 25 - 50cm tall. The small bulb is formed on a short rhizome - as more bulbs are produced the plant develops into a moderate-sized clump[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is cultivated as a vegetable in Siberia, and is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

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

Europe - southern Russia to France, east to Ukraine and the Balkans; W. Asia - Kazakhstan, southern Siberia.

Habitat

Damp meadows near rivers[]. Flood-plain meadows, birch groves[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bulb
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium angulosum is very hardy ansd can be grown outdoors through most of the moist temperate zone[].
An easily grown plant[], it prefers a sunny position in a moist but well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in heavy soils, acid soils and in light shade[]. Plants tolerate seasonal inundation in their native habitat[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
This species is often sold in nurseries as Allium pyrenaicum[].
Closely related to Allium senescens, differing mainly in having keeled leaves[]. The flowers do not have the usual onion smell[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, ]. It can be preserved for winter use by salting[, ]. The small bulbs are slender and elongated[] and about 5mm wide[].

Leaves - raw or cooked. There is a slight bitterness in the flavour[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on 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.