Common Name: Canadian Garlic

General Information

Allium canadense is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 6 leaves 20 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 10 - 60cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of plants[].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It has in the past been cultivated as a vegetable crop[].
Some forms of this species produce many bulbils and are considered to be a pernicious weed in some areas of America[], there is some risk that they could spread aggressively in other parts of the temperate zone[]. Allium canadense mobilense (Reg.)F.M.Ownb., is a form that does not produce bulbils and is much better behaved[].

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

N. America - Ontario to New Brunswick, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Sandy soils in low woods, thickets and meadows[, ]. Roadsides, meadows, woods, and fields at elevations up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium canadense
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. A moisture loving plant according to another report[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
Bulbs grow to a good size under cultivation[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. It can be used as a vegetable, or as a flavouring in soups and stews, and can also be pickled[]. The pickled onions are said to be superior to other pickled onions[]. The bulb is up to 30mm in diameter, it is crisp, mild and with a pleasant flavour[]. Used as a leek substitute according to one report[], it is a garlic substitute according to others[, , ].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , ]. A delicious mild flavour, they are available from early spring until the autumn[]. They make a very acceptable salad and can also be used as a greens or as a flavouring in cooked foods[].

Flowers - raw. A little bit stronger flavour than the leaves, especially as the seeds begin to form, they can be used as a flavouring and garnish on salads[].

Some forms of this species produce bulbils. These top-setting bulbils make a fine onion flavoured pickle[, , ]. They are said to have a superior flavour to other pickled onions[].

Medicinal

The plant is antiasthmatic, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant[]. A tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup[].
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

The plant can be rubbed on exposed parts of the body to protect them from insect bites and the bites of scorpions, lizards etc[].

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.
Bulbils planted in situ when ripe.