Common Name: Round-Headed Leek

General Information

Allium sphaerocephalon is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 5 leaves 15 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 30 - 80cm tall from an ovoid bulb around 10 - 20mm in diameter. The bulb produces bulblets, forming in time a cluster of plants[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. The plant is often grown in ornamental 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

Europe - Britain to Spain, east to Russia, Ukraine and Greece; Africa - Canaries, Morocco, Egypt; W. Asia - Turkey to Israel, the Caucasus and Kuwait.

Habitat

Limestone rocks and fields in dry places[, ]. Eroded Pinus halepensis scrub, fields, dry rocky slopes, beaches; at elevations from sea level to 1,550 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium sphaerocephalon
An easily grown plant[]. it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[, ]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].
Plants often divide freely at the roots[].
A good bee plant[].
The flowers are very attractive to bees[]. The flowers are sometimes replaced with bulbils[].

Edible Uses

Edible bulb - raw or cooked[, , , ]. An onion substitute[]. The bulbs are up to 35mm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. They can be dried for later use[].

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

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.