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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

Bulb - raw or cooked. The bulb is about 15mm in diameter[2]. It is used like garlic as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods[89, K]. The flavour is somewhat milder with a slight sweetness, and it can be used in much greater quantities than garlic[K]. The bulbs are harvested in mid summer once the plant has died down, and will store for at least 6 months[K].

Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves have a pleasant texture, they are slightly sweet with a mild garlic flavour and can be available all winter[K].

Flowers - raw[3]. A mild garlic flavour with a delicate sweetness[K]. Used in the spring as a garnish on salads, they are attractive to both the eye and the tongue[K].

Flowers

Leaves

Material uses

The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[4].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[K].
There are no medicinal uses listed for Allium subhirsutum.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. It germinates quickly and can be grown on in the greenhouse for the first year, planting out the dormant bulbs in the late summer of the following year if they have developed sufficiently, otherwise grow on in pots for a further year. Stored seed can be sown in spring in a greenhouse. Division in summer after the plants have died down. Very easy, the bulbs divide freely and can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.

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



Cultivation

Easily grown in a warm sunny position[5]. The plants require a period of summer rest when they are best kept dry but they do succeed in a well-drained sunny position in the open garden[6]. Prefers a rich moist but well-drained soil[2].

Closely related to A. neopolitanum and A. trifoliatum[5], this species comes into new growth in the autumn and flowers in the spring, dying down in the summer[K]. It is a potential winter salad crop but is less hardy than A. neopolitanum so is only suitable for the mildest areas of Britain[2]. The plant is thriving at Kew and so is hardier than the books say[K]. The plants can flower within 12 months of germination, the bulbs are also producing offsets by this time[K]. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[7]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[6]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[8][4][9]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[10].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[11].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Allium subhirsutum. 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 subhirsutum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Allium subhirsutum
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
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no 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

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    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. ? 2.02.12.22.32.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30253-1 (1989-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Davies. D. Alliums. The Ornamental Onions. Batsford ISBN 0-7134-7030-5 (1992-00-00)
    7. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    8. ? Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
    9. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
    10. ? Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
    11. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)

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