This species is closely related to, and may be no more than a pubescent form of Allium rosenbachianum[].

Common Name:

General Information

Allium stipitatum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 4 - 6 leaves and a flowering scape 60 - 150cm tall from a globose bulb around 30 - 60mm in diameter. The plant produces numerous offsets, forming in time a cluster of growth[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Successful cultivation trials have been made in Tajikistan, where the bulbs are pickled and prepared in preserves. The bulbs are sold as an item of food in central Asia[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental.
Allium stipitatum spreads freely by bulbs and seeds and can form large clusters of growth. It is a serious weed of agriculture within its native range[].

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

W. Asia - southeast Turkey to Kazakhsran, Afghanistan and Pakistan

Habitat

Moist meadows[]. Loosely-textured slopes in the middle mountain zone of central Asia[]. Hot dry situations on lower mountain slopes.

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium stipitatum is native to the semi-arid areas of central Asia, and can tolerate cold winters with temperatures going below zero. It is used to a dry period in the summer and autumn when it is dormant. It is a tolerant plant, however, and can be grown in wetter climates so long as it is given a warm position and the soil is very freely-draining[].
Prefers a hot sunny position in a light well-drained soil[], growing well in the light shade of thinly clad shrubs that also thrive in hot dry conditions[].
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[, ]. Young and undeveloped bulbs are pickled in aromatic vinegar and used as an appetizer and with meals[]. The bulbs are 3 - 6cm in diameter[].

Leaves - raw or cooked.

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.

Medicinal

The bulbs have disinfectant properties and are used to treat rheumatism and high blood pressure and also used as a digestive tract booster[]. Both fresh and dried bulbs are used to bring relief from the pains of backbone, legs and feet[]. The plants are baked or cooked in honey and used against several diseases[].
The plants are applied in folk medicine against skin diseases[].

Although no further 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.