Common Name: Golden Garlic

General Information

Allium moly is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 1 - 3 leaves 20 - 30cm long and a flowering scape 12 - 35cm tall from an underground bulb. The bulb produces many offsets and within a few years can produce a large clump of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its yellow flowers.
Although the population of Allium moly is fragmented, it is a widespread species, occurs in a number of protected areas and the habitat is not declining. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].
Some forms of this species, especially Allium moly bulbiferum[], produce bulbils in the flowering head[] and can be 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

Range

Mediterranean - eastern Spain to Italy, Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

Shady rocks and screes in mountains[]. Limestone rubble[]. It grows in badlands, on mountain ledges and in forest clearings, mainly on calcareous soils[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

The dormant bulbs of Allium moly are fairly hardy and will withstand soil temperatures down to at least -10°c[].
An easily grown plant[], preferring a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[, ]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value[]. The flowers are softly scented[].
The species type is sometimes considered to be invasive, though it has not proved so with most people[]. It is useful for naturalising between shrubs and grows well at the base of a beech hedge in a wet garden[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked. A pleasant mild garlic flavour, when sliced it makes a very nice addition to salads and can also be used as a flavouring in cooked foods[]. The bulbs are about 25mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked.

Flowers - raw. The yellow flowers make an attractive garnish on salads and have a pleasant onion flavour[].

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.
Plants sometimes produces bulbils, these can be potted up as soon as they are ripe and planted out in late spring.