Common Name: Keeled Garlic

General Information

Allium carinatum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing usually 3 leaves 25 - 45cm long and a flowering scape 25 - 45cm tall from an ovoid-oblong bulb around 10mm in diameter. The plant divides, forming in time a cluster of plants[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.
This species produces bulbils and these can spread more freely than the gardener requires - the plant can become invasive[].

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

Europe - Denmark and Sweden, south to Spain, east to Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - northern Turkey

Habitat

Dry grassy places and open woods[]. Among rocks[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium carinatum
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in clay soils[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].
A good plant for the wild garden[]. This species can become very invasive by means of its bulbils[]. The sub-species Allium carinatum pulchellum Bonnier & Layens is much better behaved and makes a good garden plant[].
This species is closely allied to Allium oleraceum, differing mainly in having flat, rather than keeled, leaves[].
The plant produces new growth in early autumn[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[]. The bulb is very small, about 15mm tall and 10mm in diameter[, ].
Bulbils - raw or cooked. Rather small and fiddly to use, but they have a fairly pleasant onion/garlic flavour[].

Leaves - raw or cooked.

Flowers - raw.

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.
Bulbils are harvested in late summer and can be planted out immediately in situ or stored and planted out in spring.