Common Name: Swamp Onion

General Information

Allium validum is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing 3 - 6 leaves 20 - 70cm long and a flowering scape 30 - 70cm tall from an underground bulb. The plant divides freely, forming a cluster of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

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

Western N. America - British Colombia, south to California and Nevada.

Habitat

Swampy meadows in the mountains; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,900 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Allium validum is very cold tolerant, and grows wild in swampy areas; it should, therefore, be suitable for cultivation in many areas of the temperate zone.
Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[]. This species tolerates much wetter soils than most members of the genus but it dislikes winters with alternating periods of damp and cold and no snow cover, so it is best given a damp though well-drained soil[]. It requires plenty of moisture in the growing season[].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[].

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[]. A nice flavour-203]. The bulb is somewhat fibrous but is very acceptable as a flavouring in soups and stews[]. The bulb is fairly large, up to 5cm in diameter, and is produced in clusters[]. The plant has thick iris-like rhizomes on which the bulbs are produced[].

Leaves - raw or cooked.

Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on 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 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.