Common Name: Wood Leek

General Information

Allium tricoccum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 2 - 3 leaves 20 - 30cm long and a flowering scape 10 - 40cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides, forming in time a large cluster of plants[].
A popular wild food in N. America, where it is commonly harvested for local use.
The plant usually forms large clumps and can become invasive[, ].

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

Eastern and central N. America - Ontario to Nova Scotia, south to Alabama and Georgia

Habitat

Rich woods and bottoms, preferring slopes and streamsides; at elevations up to 1,400 metres[, ]. Usually in beech and maple woods[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[].
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. Grows well in light moist woodland, where the plant forms large clumps and can become invasive[, ]. It is probably best grown in the wild garden[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[]. The leaves die down in early summer before the flowers have fully opened.

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[, , ]. Used mainly as a flavouring in salads and savoury dishes[]. This is one of the best N. American wild species for sweetness and flavour[]. A mild sweet flavour, resembling leeks[]. The bulb is rather small, it is up to 12mm wide and 50mm tall[] and is produced in clusters on a rhizome[]. The bulb can be up to 60mm x 30mm[].

Leaves - raw or cooked[]. The unfolding leaves in spring have a mild sweet flavour, resembling leeks[].

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads. A hot onion flavour[].

Medicinal

This species probably has most of the medicinal virtues of garlic (Allium sativum) but in a milder form[, ]. Traditionally the leaves were used in the treatment of colds and croup, and also as a spring tonic[, ].
The warm juice of the leaves and bulb was used externally in the treatment of earaches[, ].
A strong decoction of the root is emetic[].

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. The seed usually germinates within 12 months, but only makes a root and a small bulb in its first year of growth. Top growth is not produced until the second spring[]. It is quite possible that if the seed can be sown when it is ripe in early summer, or in the autumn, then this will speed up germination times[]. Sow the seed thinly in the pots so that the young seedlings can be allowed to grow on undisturbed for their first two years. Apply a liquid feed once a month during the growing season to ensure they do not suffer from mineral deficiency. When the plants are dormant at the end of their second years growth, divide them so that there are 2 - 3 small bulbs in each pot. Grow them on for a further year in the greenhouse and then plant them out when they are dormant.
Division in spring. Very easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.