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
Edible bulb - raw or cooked[2][3][4][5]. An onion substitute[6]. The bulbs are up to 35mm in diameter[7].
Leaves - raw or cooked[5]. They can be dried for later use[8].
Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads.Flowers
Leaves
Root
Material uses
The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[9].
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 sphaerocephalon.Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
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.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Allium sphaerocephalon. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
An easily grown plant[10]. it prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[11][12]. Established plants are fairly drought tolerant[13].
The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[11]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[14][9][15]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[16]. Plants often divide freely at the roots[17]. A good bee plant[18]. The flowers are very attractive to bees[10]. The flowers are sometimes replaced with bulbils[12].
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 sphaerocephalon. 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 sphaerocephalon.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Allium sphaerocephalon
Genus
Allium
Family
Alliaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
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
?
Fertility
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
References
- ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
- ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
- ? 3.03.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
- ? 4.04.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
- ? 5.05.15.2 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (1984-00-00)
- ? 6.06.1 Sholto-Douglas. J. Alternative Foods. ()
- ? 7.07.17.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? 8.08.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
- ? 9.09.19.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
- ? 10.010.1 Davies. D. Alliums. The Ornamental Onions. Batsford ISBN 0-7134-7030-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? 11.011.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? 12.012.1 Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30253-1 (1989-00-00)
- ? Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent ISBN 0460045512 (1982-00-00)
- ? Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
- ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
- ? Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
- ? 17.017.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
- ? RHS Lily Group. Lilies and Related Plants. ()
- ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
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