Common Name: Snowdrop Onion

General Information

Allium galanthum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing two, sometimes three leaves 15 - 40cm long and a flowering scape 20 - 60cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides freely, forming in time a cluster of leafy growth[, ].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food[].
There is currently insufficient information available to evaluate this species. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

Asia - Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, southern Siberia, Mongolia, northern China

Habitat

Dry stony and gravelly slopes, cliffs and valleys; at elevations from 500 - 1,500 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium galanthum is a plant of semi-arid regions in the temperate zone. It is fairly cold-hardy but can be killed by winter wet. It also requires a hot, dry period when dormant in the summer.
An easily grown plant[], it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in moist and acid soils[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[]. An excellent table onion[]. The bulb is 15 - 30mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[].

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

The plant is related to the cultivated onion, Allium cepa, and could be of value in breeding programmes[].

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.