This taxon is closely related to Allium ampeloprasum and is included in that species by some authorities[].

Common Name: Poireau des Vignes

General Information

Allium polyanthum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from an ovoid bulb around 15 - 20mm in diameter; it produces 3 - 6 leaves and a flowering stem around 40 - 80cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental.
Allium polyanthum is frequent, abundand and has dynamic populations in many synanthropic environments such as road embankments, fields, orchards, and rural gardens, at least in the European portion of its range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

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

Western and central Mediterranean - Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, Tunisia

Habitat

Road embankments, fields, orchards, rural gardens and other human-affected environments; at elevations from near sea level to 400 metres[].[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium polyanthum
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

Young plants - cooked. Used in the same ways as a wild leek (Allium ampeloprasum)[].

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 -