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Uses

Toxic parts

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[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaves - raw, cooked or dried for later use. The leaves have a mild onion flavour and are an excellent addition to mixed salads, they can also be used as a flavouring in soups etc[2][3]. This form has a stronger garlic flavour than common chives[4] The leaves are often available from late winter and can continue to produce leaves until early the following winter, especially if the plant is in a warm, sheltered position[K]. A good source of sulphur and iron[5].

The bulbs are rather small but can be used as spring onions[K]. They can be harvested with the leaves still attached and be used as spring onions[K]. They have a pleasant mild onion flavour.

The flowers can be used as a garnish in salads etc[4]. The flowers of this species are rather dry and less desirable than the flowers of many other species[K].

Flowers

Leaves

Material uses

The juice of the plant is used as an insect repellent, it also has fungicidal properties and is effective against scab, mildew etc[6][7][8]. The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles[6][8].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and the blood circulation. It improves the appetite, is digestive, hypotensive and tonic[5]. It has similar properties to garlic (A. sativum), but in a much milder form, and it is rarely used medicinally[9].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy, pot up the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle easily and plant out in the following spring. Division can be carried out at almost any time of the year but is probably best done in spring. The clumps should be divided at least every 3 or 4 years in order to maintain vigour[10], the divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Allium schoenoprasum sibiricum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant[11], it prefers a sunny position in a rich moist but well-drained soil[6][12]. Succeeds in most soils[13][12] and in light shade[11]. Grows well in heavy clay soils[11]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3.

This is a more robust form of A. schoenoprasum, the chive. It is often grown in the garden for its edible leaves which are available from late winter to the beginning of the next winter[K]. The bulbs divide rapidly and large clumps are quickly formed. There are some named varieties[4]. Regular cutting of the leaves ensures a continuous supply of young leaves and prevents flowering[14]. Plants can be moved into a frame or other protected environment in the autumn and will then produce leaves throughout the winter[14]. Do not do this every year or it weakens the plants. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[13]. A good bee plant[15]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[7][8][16]. Helps to reduce the incidence of scab when it is grown under apple trees[5]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[5].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[17].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Allium schoenoprasum sibiricum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Allium schoenoprasum sibiricum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Allium schoenoprasum sibiricum
Genus
Allium
Family
Alliaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30253-1 (1989-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Davies. D. Alliums. The Ornamental Onions. Batsford ISBN 0-7134-7030-5 (1992-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Organ. J. Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Faber (1960-00-00)
    15. ? Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden. ()
    16. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
    17. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    18. ? Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)