Common Name:

General Information

Allium jesdianum is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from a bulbous rootstock. It produces a cluster of grass-like leaves and a flowering scape is around 75 - 90cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. The plant has a relatively large bulb and has been included in cultivation trials in Tajikistan[]. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, there are several named varieties[, ].
Allium jesdianum is widely collected and sold at markets in many towns in western Iran. Our field observation showed that the plant is endangered because of over-harvesting from the wild[].

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

W. Asia - Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium jesdianum
Plants are intolerant of wet soils[]. Requires a warm, dry position[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. Eaten in salads and mixed with yoghourt[]. The leaves are an ingredient in the traditional Iranian dish '[Aash'[]. The cooked leaves are eaten as a vegetable that is also helpful in the treatment of kidney diseases and kidney stones[].

Bulb - raw or cooked. Large[]. Pickled and prepared in preserves[].

Medicinal

The fresh leaves are eaten as a general tonic[].
The cooked leaves are eaten as a vegetable that is also helpful in the treatment of kidney diseases and kidney stones[].

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

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 cluster, preferably when the plant is dormant.