Description

Allium canadense, Meadow Garlic, Wholesale Native Bare Root Perennial

Allium canadense L.
Meadow Garlic, Wild Garlic, Wild Onion
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: alca3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Meadow Garlic or Wild Garlic’s sparse cluster of grass-like leaves and its 8-12 in. flowering stalk grow from a bulb. From between narrow, grass-like leaves, which originate near its base, rises a stem topped by a dome-like cluster of star-shaped, pink or whitish flowers; plant has strong, onion-like odor.

This native perennial has a brown, fibrous skin on an edible bulb that tastes like onion.

Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Flower stalk up to about 12 inches tall.
Fruit: Seeds black.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: N.B. to SD, s. to n. FL & TX
Native Habitat: Open woods; prairies
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moderately rich, neutral soils.
Conditions Comments: Some Allium species can become weedy in warmer climates. Tolerates all conditions well; very hearty plant. Make sure soil is well-drained, plants will rot in standing water. Generally free of pests and disease, although some people have had problems with slugs.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Bulbs and leaves are eaten by wild turkeys.
Use Food: There are many bulb forming plants that resemble wild onions, some are toxic. Only harvest plants with the distinct odor of onions. The chopped green leaves can be used like chives and the bulbs are cooked as any other onions.
Use Medicinal: Crushed bulbs applied to insect stings. Bulbs eaten raw for scurvy. Tea of bulbs to control coughs and vomiting. Infusion of bulb used as eyewash and ear and for ear infections. Bruised onion to treat stings of bees and wasps.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High
Value to Beneficial Insects
Supports Conservation Biological Control

Edible Uses
Bulb – raw or cooked. It can be used as a vegetable, or as a flavouring in soups and stews, and can also be pickled. The bulb is up to 30mm in diameter, it is crisp, mild and with a pleasant flavour. Used as a leek substitute according to one report, it is a garlic substitute according to others. Leaves – raw or cooked. A delicious mild flavour, they are available from early spring until the autumn. They make a very acceptable salad and can also be used as a greens or as a flavouring in cooked foods. Flowers – raw. A little bit stronger flavour than the leaves, especially as the seeds begin to form, they can be used as a flavouring and garnish on salads. Some forms of this species produce bulbils. These top-setting bulbils make a fine onion flavoured pickle. They are said to have a superior flavour to other pickled onions.

Allium canadense, Meadow Garlic, Wholesale Native Bare Root Perennial