This species is closely related to Allium sensecens L., and has at times been treated as part of that species.

Common Name:

General Information

Allium spirale is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a bulbous rootstock; each bulb produces a cluster of grass-like leaves and a flowering scape up to 50cm tall. The bulbs are produced in groups of 1 - 4 on a short rhizome, the plant spreading to form a clump of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental 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 large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, China, Korea

Habitat

Debris slopes in the alpine montane zone[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.35 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a light, well-drained soil.

Edible Uses

The plant is used as a vegetable and source of vitamins[]. No more information is given, but Alliums in general have more or less edible bulbs, flowers and leaves[].

This species has at times been treated as a form of Allium senescens, and as such should have more or less the same uses. These are:-

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 of the cluster, preferably when the plant is dormant.