SafePlants

Allium canadense: Meadow Garlic and More

Allium canadense, a member of the Liliaceae family, is known by a variety of common names, including Canada onion, Canadian garlic, wild garlic, meadow garlic, and wild onion. It is important to distinguish between the scientific name (Allium canadense) and these common names, as the same common name might refer to different species.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This plant grows from a bulb.
• It possesses a distinct garlic or onion aroma that may be attractive to pets.
• The text mentions medicinal uses for this plant, but it is in a "much milder and less" powerful form than garlic; even so, ingestion should be avoided.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Allium canadense L.
• Family: Liliaceae
• Order: Liliales
• Synonyms: The text mentions several common names, including Wild Garlic, Meadow Garlic, Canada Onion, Canadian Garlic, and Wild Onion.
• Subordinate Taxa: The text mentions Allium canadense var. hyacinthoides.

Distribution and Habitat

• Allium canadense is native to eastern North America, specifically the Eastern and Central US and Eastern Canada.
• It is found throughout New England, but is considered rare in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, representing the northern limit of its range.
• It thrives in moist, open lands.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a perennial bulb growing to approximately 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) in height and 0.2 meters (0 feet 8 inches) in spread.
• It features a sparse cluster of grass-like leaves.
• The flowering stalk is typically 8-12 inches tall.
• It produces showy clusters of light pink (sometimes white) flowers, blooming from May to June.

Ecological Role

• It adds a short, soft, grass-like texture to landscapes.

Quirky Facts

• Meadow garlic can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

Culinary and Other Uses

• Possesses a rich, aromatic flavor.
• The text indicates it is a preferred garlic variety for northern climates and is easy to cultivate.

Hardiness

• It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is not frost tender.

Further Information

• Kore Wild Fruit Nursery offers Allium canadense plants.
• Skymeadow Farms is a Certified Organic garlic and vegetable farm in Upstate New York.
• Dave's Garden is a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens.
• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Allium canadense.
• Steven Foster Photography offers high-resolution stock photos of Allium canadense.