Common Name:

General Information

Allium thunbergii is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 3 leaves 30 - 50cm long and a flowering scape 25 - 50cm tall from a single, ovoid bulb around 5 - 16mm in diameter. The bulbs are produced on short rhizomes and eventually develop into a cluster of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens[].
There is currently insufficient information available to evaluate this species. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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

E. Asia - eastern and central China, Japan south to the Ryukyu Islands, Korea.

Habitat

Low mountains, C. and S. Japan[]. Forest margins, slopes and pastures from near sea level to 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

With a native range extending from northeast China to southern Japan and Taiwan, Allium thunbergii should succeed outdoors in much of the temperate zone[].
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[].
There is at least one named variety, selected for its ornamental value[]. 'Ozawa' is smaller than the type, growing to 30cm[, ].

Edible Uses

Young plants and leaves - raw or cooked in soups etc[, ]. The raw leaves have a pleasant mild onion flavour and a good fibre-free texture[].

Bulbs - cooked[]. They can be pickled in brine, vinegar and syrup[]. The bulbs are up to 20mm in diameter[].

Flowers - raw. A pleasant mild onion flavour, they make an attractive garnish in salads etc[].

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.