This species is frequently confused with Allium montanum[].
It is closely related to Allium nutans[].

Common Name: German Garlic

General Information

Allium senescens is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 5 - 8 leaves 25 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 30 - 60cm tall from a cluster of single or paired, cylindrically conical bulbs around 10 - 15mm in diameter and growing on a short horizontal rhizome[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. A very ornamental plant, valued especially for its flowers, it is often grown in gardens[, ].

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Asia - Kazakhstan, southern Siberia, Russian Far East, Mongolia, China, Korea

Habitat

Dry, usually rocky places[]. Forests, dry stony slopes, steppes, saline meadows and gravelly places at elevations of 500 - 800 metres in northern China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.45 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium senescens
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. An onion substitute[, ]. The small bulbs are formed in clusters on a rhizome and are up to 10mm in diameter[]. The bulbs are 10 - 20mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ]. A fairly strong onion flavour with a slight bitterness, but acceptable raw[]. We use them in salads or as a flavouring in cooked foods[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. An attractive garnish in 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

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.