This species is closely related to Allium carinatum[].

Common Name: Small Yellow Onion

General Information

Allium flavum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 3 leaves up to 20cm long and a flowering scape 8 - 30cm tall from an ovoid to globose-ovoid bulb around 10 - 15mm in diameter[, , ].
The plant is probably harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is commonly grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display.

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 - France to Ukraine, south to Italy and greece; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria; W. Asia - Turkey to Iran, Kazakhstan

Habitat

Dry slopes[]. Rocky slopes and stony places; at elevations around 600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium flavum
A very easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[, ]. It succeeds in clay soils and also in areas of higher rainfall, so long as the soil drains fairly well[].
A very variable species with forms ranging in height from 8 - 50cm[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].

Edible Uses

This species is closely related to Allium carinatum and Allium oleraceum, and almost certainly has the same uses. These are:-

Bulb - raw or cooked. The bulb is rather small, about 15mm tall and 10mm in diameter[].

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 of the bulbs in late summer or the autumn. Larger bulbs can be planted straight out into their permanent positions, though it might be best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out..