Common Name:

General Information

Allium subhirsutum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 3 leaves 8 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 7 - 30cm tall from a subglobose bulb around 15mm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in the garden.

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

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Range

Widespread through the Mediterranean region.

Habitat

Rocky stony arid places, woods[]. Shady Fagus, Castanea and Cupressus sempervirens woodlands, macchie, phrygana, rocky places; at elevations from sea level to 800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium subhirsutum is said to be less hardy than the closely-related Allium neopolitanum so is only suitable for the milder areas of the temperate zone, especially in those areas with a distinct dry season in the summer and autumn[, ]. The plant is thriving at the Botanic Gardens, Kew, England (zone 7); and so is hardier than the books say[].
Easily grown in a warm sunny position[]. The plants require a period of summer rest when they are best kept dry but they do succeed in a well-drained sunny position in the open garden[]. Prefers a rich moist but well-drained soil[].
Closely related to Allium neopolitanum and Allium trifoliatum[], this species comes into new growth in the autumn and flowers in the spring, dying down in the summer[]. It is a potential winter salad crop but is less hardy than Allium neopolitanum so is only suitable for the mildest areas of the temperate zone[].
The plants can flower within 12 months of germination, the bulbs are also producing offsets by this time[].
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. The bulb is about 15mm in diameter[]. It is used like garlic as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods[, ]. The flavour is somewhat milder with a slight sweetness, and it can be used in much greater quantities than garlic[]. The bulbs are harvested in mid summer once the plant has died down, and will store for at least 6 months[].

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves have a pleasant texture, they are slightly sweet with a mild garlic flavour and can be available all winter[].

Flowers - raw[]. A mild garlic flavour with a delicate sweetness[]. Used in the spring as a garnish on salads, they are attractive to both the eye and the tongue[].

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 - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. It germinates quickly and can be grown on in the greenhouse for the first year, planting out the dormant bulbs in the late summer of the following year if they have developed sufficiently, otherwise grow on in pots for a further year. Stored seed can be sown in spring in a greenhouse.
Division in summer after the plants have died down. Very easy, the bulbs divide freely and can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.