• Home
  • About
  • Commentary/Survival
  • Freedom Documents

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

~ using what nature provides in plants

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants

Tag Archives: Prairie Onion

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 Onions/Leeks/Garlic (Part 3)

17 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Allium falcifolium, Allium stellatum, Allium textile, Allium tricoccum, Allium unifolium, Allium validum, Allium vineale, antiasthmatic, Autumn Onion, Crow Garlic, field craft, home remedies, home remedy, militia supply, Native American culture, native american medicine, Oneleaf Onion, Pacific Onion, Prairie Onion, prepper's plant, Ramp, Scytheleaf Onion, Swamp Onion, treat colds, treat earaches, treat high blood pressure, treat high cholesterol, treat shortness of breath, treat stings, treatment of colds, treatment of earaches, treatment to prevent worms, treatment to reduce blood pressure, Wild Garlic, Wild Leek, Wood Leek

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source such as Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Michael Moore also has a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. )
#147 (Part 3)
Common Name: Onion/Garlic/Leeks
Latin Name: Allium stellatum, A. textile, A. tricoccum, A. unifolium, A. validum, A. vineale, A. falcifolium 
Family: Liliaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALLIU
All States, except Hawaii, all of Canada, except Nunavut; this is the main database for USDA.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALST Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, N. and S. Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming; In Canada; Saskatchewan to Ontario. (Allium stellatum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALTE Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota to Kansas, Montana to New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Washington; In Canada; Alberta to Manitoba. (Allium textile)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALTR3 All States east of the Mississippi R., except Florida, S. Carolina and Mississippi; plus Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, N. Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma; In Canada; Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (Allium tricoccum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALUN Oregon and California. (Allium unifolium)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALVA Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada and California; In Canada; British Columbia. (Allium validum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALVI All States east of the Mississippi, except New Hampshire; plus Iowa to Louisiana, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska; In Canada; Brtish Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. (Allium vineale)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALFA3 Oregon and California. (Allium falcifolium)
Photos: (Click on Latin Name after Common Name.)

Warnings: Unless PFAF has some warnings, besides “don’t feed large quantities to dogs” I won’t list their warnings. See part 1 on PFAF warnings.
************************************
#147(r)
Common Name: Autumn Onion, Prairie Onion (Allium stellatum )

Appearance and Habitat:
A 1-2 ft., chive-like perennial forming tufts of slender, solid leaves and stems. The green leaves appear in spring and die back as the flowering stalks appear. Umbels of rose-pink to lavender flowers form erect, 3-4 in. wide balls. The bulbs of wild onions have a strong flavor but can be eaten raw or parboiled. Early explorers ate them, and they were also used by settlers to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, and to repel insects. Chives (A. schoenoprasum) has hollow leaves and long, narrow, sharply pointed, lavender petals; it was introduced from Europe in the northeastern United States and in Canada from Alberta to Newfoundland.(1)  Rocky prairies, slopes, shores and ridges. Usually found on limestone soils in N. America – Illinois and Minnesota to Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. A bulb growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. The bulbs are eaten by the N. American Indians. They are rather small, about 4cm tall and 15mm wide. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(3)
Medicinal Uses :A sweetened decoction of the root has been taken, mainly by children, as a remedy for colds. Although no other 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.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALST
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+stellatum
****************************
#147(s)
Common Name: Textile Onion (Allium textile )

Appearance and Habitat:
Bulbs 1–3+, not rhizomatous, without basal bulbels, ovoid, 1.2–2.5 × 1–2 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, gray or brown, reticulate, cells fine-meshed, open, fibrous; inner coats whitish, cells vertically elongate and regular or obscure. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 2, sheathing; blade solid, ± straight, channeled, semiterete, 10–40 cm × 1–3(–5) mm, margins entire or denticulate. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, ± terete, 5–30(–40) cm × 1–3 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact to ± loose, 15–30-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 3, usually 1-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acuminate. Flowers urceolate to campanulate, 5–7 mm; tepals erect, white or rarely pink, with red or reddish brown midribs; outer whorl broadly ovate to lanceolate, unequal, becoming callous-keeled and permanently investing capsule, margins often obscurely toothed apically, apex obtuse to acuminate; inner whorl narrower, margins entire, apex distinctly spreading; stamens included; anthers yellow; pollen yellow; ovary ± conspicuously crested; processes 6, central, distinct or connate in pairs across septa, ± erect, rounded, to 1 mm, margins entire, becoming variously developed or obsolete in fruit; style linear, equaling filaments; stigma capitate, unlobed or obscurely lobed; pedicel 5–20 mm. Seed coat shining; cells ± smooth, without central papillae. Flowering May–Jun. Dry plains and hills; 300–2400 m; Alta., Man., Sask.; Colo., Idaho, Iowa, Kans., Minn., Mont., Nebr., Nev., N.Mex., N.Dak., S.Dak., Utah, Wash., Wyo.(1)  Dry prairies, calcareous rocks and open woods in N. America – Saskatchewan to South Dakota, Montana, New Mexico and Arizona. A bulb growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from May to July.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Fairly large, the bulb is up to 2cm in diameter. It is used as an onion substitute in stews etc. The bulb can be eaten fresh or can be stored for later use. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101407
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+textile
************************
#147(t)
Common Name: Ramp, Wild Leek, Wood Leek (Allium tricoccum )

Appearance and Habitat: Two long, glossy, oval leaves appear in early spring and wither away before the smooth, 6-10 in. flowering stalk matures. Small white flowers occur in a hemispherical, terminal cluster of creamy-white flowers; plant has a mild onion taste. In late April, before this species comes into flower, the people of the Great Smoky Mountains gather the plants for their annual Ramp Festival. The foliage and bulbs can be used in salads and soups. Native Americans treated stings with juice from the crushed bulbs.(1)  Rich woods and bottoms, preferring slopes and streamsides. Usually in beech or maple woods in Eastern N. America – Quebec, south to Virginia and Iowa. A bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 6-Mar It is in flower from Jun to July.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Used mainly as a flavouring in salads and savoury dishes. This is one of the best N. American wild species for sweetness and flavour. A mild sweet flavour, resembling leeks. The bulb is rather small, it is up to 12mm wide and 50mm tall and is produced in clusters on a rhizome. Leaves – raw or cooked. The unfolding leaves in spring have a mild sweet flavour, resembling leeks. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads. A hot onion flavour.(3)
Medicinal Uses :This species probably has most of the medicinal virtues of garlic (Allium sativum) but in a milder form. Traditionally the leaves were used in the treatment of colds and croup, and also as a spring tonic. The warm juice of the leaves and bulb was used externally in the treatment of earaches. A strong decoction of the root is emetic.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALTR3
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+tricoccum
*************************
#147(u)
Common Name: Oneleaf Onion (Allium unifolium )

Native American Name: Ammo (Shoshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat:
Bulbs solitary, replaced annually by new bulbs borne terminally on secondary rhizome; rhizomes 1–3, conspicuous, to 5 cm, smooth; parent bulbs disappearing by anthesis except for still-functional roots and bulb coat, ovoid to oblique-ovoid, 1–2 × 0.8–1.5 cm; outer coats not enclosing bulbs, pale brown, delicately cellular-reticulate, membranous, cells ± rectangular, without fibers; inner coats white, cells obscure, ± transversely elongate, contorted. Leaves persistent, green or withering from tip at anthesis, 2–3, basally sheathing, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, flattened, sometimes carinate abaxially, ± falcate, 18–50 cm × 4–10 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, terete, 20–80 cm × 2–7 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, loose, 15–35-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 6–8-veined, lance-ovate to broadly ovate, ± equal, apex acuminate. Flowers stellate, 11–15 mm; tepals spreading, bright pink or rarely white, obovate to ovate, unequal, becoming papery and connivent over capsule, margins entire, apex acute to obtuse or emarginate, inner shorter and narrower than outer; stamens included; anthers yellow or purple; pollen yellow or gray; ovary crestless, 3-grooved, with thickened ridge on either side of groove; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, scarcely thickened, unlobed or obscurely 3-lobed; pedicel 15–40 mm. Seed coat dull; cells minutely roughened. Flowering May–Jun. Moist, clay soils, including serpentine, usually along streams; 0–1100 m; Calif., Oreg. The long, relatively thick rhizomes that develop annually from the bulbs are very characteristic of Allium unifolium and almost unique in North America. Only A. glandulosum Link & Otto and A. rhizomatum Wooton & Standley have similar rhizomes, but these species are not closely related to A. unifolium. Allium unifolium is known only from the Coast Ranges.(2)  Moist soils in pine or mixed everbgreen forests in the coastal ranges of California. South-western N America – California and Oregon. A bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is hardy to zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to July.(3)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. The bulbs are 10 – 15mm in diameter. Together with the young shoots, they are fried and eaten. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(4)
Medicinal Uses :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.(5)
Foot Notes: (1) Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Van Murphy, page 68, Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-96638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101413
Foot Notes: ( 3, 4, 5 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+unifolium
***************************
#147(v)
Common Name: Pacific Onion, Swamp Onion (Allium validum )
Appearance and Habitat: From vigorous rhizomes occur large patches of flat, upright leaves, and flowering stalks to 1-3 ft. in height. Purple-pink flowers occur in tight clusters.(1)  Swampy meadows at medium to high elevations in the mountains of South-western N. America – Idaho to California. A bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower from Jul to August.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. The bulb is somewhat fibrous but is very acceptable as a flavouring in soups and stews. The bulb is fairly large, up to 5cm in diameter, and is produced in clusters. The plant has thick iris-like rhizomes. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALVA
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+validum
****************************
#147(w)
Common Name: Wild Garlic, Crow Garlic (Allium vineale )

Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 5–20, clustered, stipitate, hard-shelled, asymmetric, ovoid, 1–2 × 1–2 cm; outer coats enclosing bulbs, brownish to yellowish, membranous, vertically striate, splitting into parallel strips and fibers, cells arranged in ± wavy rows, vertical; inner coats white to light brown, cells obscure, vertically elongate. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 2–4, sheathing at least proximal 1/2 scape; blade hollow below middle, terete, cylindric or filiform, not carinate, 20–60 cm × 2–4 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, terete, 30–120 cm × 1.5–4 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, ± compact, 0–50-flowered, subglobose to ovoid or hemispheric, flowering pedicels all or in part replaced by bulbils; bulbils sessile, basally narrowed, 4–6 × 2–3 mm; spathe bract caducous, 1, 2–several-veined, ovate, apex caudate, beaked, beak ± equaling or longer than base. Flowers campanulate, 3–4 mm; tepals erect, greenish to purple, elliptic-lanceolate, ± equal, withering in fruit, margins entire, apex obtuse; stamens exserted, outer 3 filaments without appendages, inner 3 filaments with 2 prominent lateral appendages; anthers purple; pollen white; ovary crestless; style exserted, linear, ± equaling stamen; stigma capitate, scarcely thickened, unlobed; flowering pedicel 10–20 mm. Seed coat shining; cells smooth. Flowering Jun–Aug. Disturbed areas often adjacent to agricultural lands; 0–700 m; introduced; Ont., Que.; Ala., Ark., Calif., Conn., Del., D.C., Ga., Ill., Ind. Iowa, Kans., Ky., La., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Va., W.Va.; Europe. Allium vineale is also expected to be found in Wisconsin and Texas; specimens were not seen. It is a noxious weed, apparently introduced from Europe in colonial times. The small, wheat-sized bulbils frequently contaminated wheat grown in infested areas. Bread made from such wheat was garlic-flavored, and cows grazing in infested pastures produce garlic-flavored milk.(1)  Fields and roadsides to elevations of 450 meters in Britain, often a serious weed of pastures. Much of Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and Lebanon. A bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 8-Oct It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September.(2)
Edible Uses:Leaves – raw or cooked. Rather stringy, they are used as a garlic substitute. The leaves are available from late autumn until the following summer, when used sparingly they make a nice addition to the salad bowl. Bulb – used as a flavouring. Rather small, with a very strong flavour and odour. The bulbs are 10 – 20mm in diameter. Bulbils – raw or cooked. Rather small and fiddly, they have a strong garlic-like flavour.(3)
Medicinal Uses :The whole plant is antiasthmatic, blood purifier, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stimulant and vasodilator. A tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup. The raw root can be eaten to reduce blood pressure and also to ease shortness of breath. Although no other 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.(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101415
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4 ) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+vineale
***************************
Bonus : ( Before leaving Onions, Leeks, and Garlic behind, I have some data on another species. Sorry it is out of alphabetical Order.)

#147(x)
Common Name: Scytheleaf Onion, Indian Garlic (Allium falcifolium )

Native American Name: Podzimo (Shoshone)(1)
Appearance and Habitat:
A very low wild onion with two thick, flat leaves only slightly exceeding the 3-5 in. flowering stems in height. Small umbels of deep rose to nearly white flowers top the flowering stems.
(2)  In the high mountains on dry rocky plains grows the dwarf pink garlic. It has blue-green sickle-shaped leaves, flat, and a pretty flower. The bulb is also a deep pink color and is very strong to the taste. (3)(meaning it is edible)
Foot Notes: (1, 3) Indian Uses of Native Plants by Edith Van Murphy, page 14, Publisher: Meyerbooks, Copyright 1990, ISBN 0-96638-15-4
Foot Notes: (2) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALFA3

Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 Onion/Garlic/Leeks (part 2)

12 Sunday Aug 2012

Posted by eowyndbh in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Allium drummondii, Allium fistulosum, Allium geyeri, Allium kunthii, Allium macropetalum, Allium oleraceum, Allium sativum, Allium schoenoprasum, anticancer activity, Desert Onion, field craft, Geyer's Onion, Kunth's Onion, Largeflower Onion, militia supply, Native American foods, natural antiseptic, Plains Onion, Prairie Onion, prepper plants, treat amoebic dysentery, treat arteriosclerosis, treat cancer, treat glucose metabolism in diabetics, treat high cholesterol, treat hypertension, treat lead poisoning, treat wounds, treatment for amoebic dysentery, treatment for lowering cholesterol, treatment for wounds, Welsh Onion, wild chives

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source such as Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West.  Michael Moore also has a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. ) 
#147 (Part 2)
Common Name: Onion/Garlic/Leeks
Latin Name: Allium drummondii, A. fistulosum, A. geyeri, A. kunthii, A. macropetalum, A. oleraceum, A. sativum, A. schoenoprasum 
Family: Liliaceae
Range:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALLIU
All States, except Hawaii, all of Canada, except Nunavut; this is the main database for USDA.
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALDR South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Texas. (Allium drummondii)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALFI4 Alaska, Illinois and Vermont; In Canada; Northwest Territories. (Allium fistulosum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALGE All States west of the Rocky Mountains, except California, plus South Dakota and Texas; In Canada; British Columbia to Saskatchewan. (Allium geyeri)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALKU Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. (Allium kunthii)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALMA4 Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. (Allium macropetalum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALOL Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts; In Canada; Ontario. (Allium oleraceum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALSA2 All States east of the Mississippi R., except Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine; plus Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and California; In Canada; Manitoba and Ontario. (Allium sativum)
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ALSC All States north of the Ohio R., plus all States north of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, plus Virginia, Maryland, Missouri, Minnesota, Alaska, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada; In Canada; All Provinces except Nunavut. (Allium schoenoprasum)
Photos: (Click on Latin Name after Common Name.)
Warnings: Unless PFAF has some warnings, besides “don’t feed large quantities to dogs” I won’t list their warnings. See part 1 on PFAF warnings.
************************************
#147(j)
Common Name: Drummond’s Onion, Prairie Onion (Allium drummondii )

Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 1–5, without basal bulbels, ovoid, outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, brown, reticulate, cells fine-meshed, mostly closed in proximal 1/2 of bulb, fibrous; inner coats whitish or brownish, cells intricately contorted, walls usually not sinuous. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 2–5, sheathing; blade solid, flat, channeled, 10–30 cm × 1–3(–5) mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, terete, 10–30 cm × 1–3 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact to ± loose, usually 10–25-flowered, hemispheric-globose, rarely replaced by bulbils; spathe bracts persistent, 2–3, 1-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acuminate. Flowers campanulate to ± stellate, 6–9 mm; tepals spreading, white, pink, or red, rarely greenish yellow, ovate to lanceolate, ± equal, becoming papery and rigid in fruit, margins entire, apex obtuse or acute, midribs somewhat thickened; stamens included; anthers yellow; pollen light yellow; ovary crestless; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed or obscurely lobed; pedicel 5–20 mm. Seed coat shining; cells each usually with minute, central papilla. Flowering Mar–Jun. Plains, hills, and prairies, particularly in limestone soils; 0–1600 m; Ark., Kans., Neb., N.Mex., Okla., Tex.; Mexico.(1)  Sandy or gravelly, often on limestone soils on dry prairies and hills in N. America -Texas to New Mexico, north to Nebraska. A bulb growing to 0.3 m. (1ft). It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Apr to June.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Used mainly as a condiment, the bulb is also eaten as a vegetable. The bulb is rather small, up to 25mm tall and 15mm in diameter. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101355
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+drummondii
*****************************
#147(k)
Common Name: Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum )

Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 2–12+, borne on short rhizome, cylindric, 2–5 × 1–2.5 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, white to light brown, membranous, without reticulation; inner coats white, cells obscure, quadrate. Leaves persistent, 2–6, sheathing lower 1/4–1/3 of scape; blade terete, fistulose, 10–40 cm × 10–25 mm. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, fistulose, inflated in middle, tapering to umbel, (12–)15–70 cm × 8–25 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, 50–100-flowered, globose to ovoid, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 1–2, 1–3-veined, ovate, ± equal, apex acute. Flowers narrowly campanulate to urceolate, 6–9 mm; tepals erect, yellowish white, withering in fruit, margins entire, apex acute, outer lanceolate, inner narrowly ovate, unequal; stamens long-exserted; anthers white to yellow; pollen white; ovary crestless; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, obscurely 3-lobed; pedicel 10–30 mm. Seed coat shining; cells 4–6-angled, ± rectangular. Allium fistulosum is cultivated in Europe and Asia. It is reported to have escaped in Alaska and is established near the north end of Great Slave Lake. The species is to be expected elsewhere in Canada and the northern United States.
(1)Cultivated for over 1000 years, it is unknown in the wild. Original habitat is obscure. A bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is not frost tender. It is in flower in July.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. A strong onion flavour, it can be used in salads, as a cooked vegetable or as a flavouring in cooked foods. The bulbs are rather small, usually 10 – 25mm in diameter though they can be up to 45mm, and are sometimes used as spring onions. A nutritional analysis is available. Leaves – raw or cooked. They have a mild onion flavour and can be added to salads or cooked as a vegetable. The leaves are often available all through the winter if the weather is not too severe. They contain about 1.4% protein, 0.3% fat, 4.6% carbohydrate, 0.8% ash, some vitamin B1 and moderate levels of vitamin C. Flowers – raw. A pleasant onion flavour, but they are rather on the dry side.
(3)
Medicinal Uses :The bulb contains an essential oil that is rich in sulphur compounds. It is antibacterial, antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, galactogogue, stomachic, vermifuge and vulnerary. It is used in the treatment of colds and abdominal coldness and fullness. A tea made from the roots is a children’s sedative. Use of the bulb in the diet impedes internal parasites. Externally, the bulb can be made into a poultice to drain pus from sores, boils and abscesses.
(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200027477
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+fistulosum
*************************
#147(l)
Common Name: Geyer’s Onion (Allium geyeri)

Appearance and Habitat: Bulbs 2–10+, not rhizomatous, ovoid or more elongate, 1–2.5 × 0.8–2 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, gray or brown, reticulate, cells rather coarse-meshed, open, fibrous; inner coats whitish, cells vertically elongate and regular or obscure. Leaves persistent, usually green at anthesis, usually 3–5, sheathing less than 1/4 scape; blade solid, ± straight, flat, channeled, (6–)12–30 cm × 1–3(–5) mm, margins entire or denticulate. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, terete or somewhat 2-angled, 10–50 cm × 1–3 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, 10–25-flowered, hemispheric to globose, not producing bulbils, or 0–5-flowered, largely replaced by ovoid, acuminate bulbils; spathe bracts persistent, 2–3, mostly 1-veined, ovate to lanceolate, ± equal, apex acuminate, beakless. Flowers urceolate-campanulate, (4–)6–8(–10) mm; tepals erect or spreading, pink to white, ovate to lanceolate, ± equal, not withering in fruit and permanently investing fruit, or withering if fruit not produced, midribs papillose, becoming callous-keeled, margins often obscurely toothed, apex obtuse to acuminate; stamens included; anthers yellow; pollen yellow; ovary when present, inconspicuously crested; processes 6, central, low, distinct or connate in pairs across septa, ± erect, rounded, margins entire, becoming variously developed or obsolete in fruit; style linear, ± equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed or obscurely lobed; pedicel becoming rigid and stiffly spreading in fruit, 8–13 mm. Seed coat shining; cells each with minute, central papilla.
(1)Low meadows and by streams in the Rocky Mountains in Western N. America – Washington, Texas, Oregon, New Mexico and Nevada. A bulb growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).  It is hardy to zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Apr to May.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Used mainly as an onion-flavouring in soups etc, though they were also occasionally eaten raw. The bulbs are eaten by the Navajo Indians. The bulbs are up to 25mm long and 20mm in diameter. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.
(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.  
(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101360
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+geyeri
*****************************
#147(m)
Common Name: Kunth’s Onion (Allium kunthii )

Appearance and Habitat:
Bulbs 1–4+, rhizomes, if present, secondary, inconspicuous, 2 cm or less including renewal bulb, ± thick, terminated by new bulb, parent bulbs disappearing by anthesis except for still-functional roots and bulb coat, not basally clustered, ovoid, 1–2 × 0.8–1.5 cm; outer coats enclosing renewal bulbs or not, grayish or brownish, with or without obscure, delicate, cellular markings, sometimes striate, membranous, cells elongate, in regular vertical rows, without fibers; inner bulb coats whitish or pinkish, cells obscure, ± quadrate or rectangular and vertically elongate. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 2–5, basally sheathing, sheaths not extended much above soil surface; blade solid, flat, channeled, 10–21 cm × 1–3 mm, margins and veins sometimes denticulate. Scape persistent, solitary, occasionally 2 or more produced successively from single bulb, erect, solid, terete, 15–30 cm × 1–3 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, loose, 5–20-flowered, conic, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 3–5-veined, lanceolate, apex acuminate. Flowers stellate to campanulate, 4–8 mm; tepals ± spreading, white or pale pink (particularly on midribs), lanceolate, ± equal, becoming papery and withering in fruit, margins entire, apex acute to acuminate; stamens included; anthers yellow or purple; pollen yellow; ovary crestless; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed; pedicel unequal, 10–20 mm. Seed coat dull; cells ± smooth. 2n = 14. Flowering Jul–Sep. Dry, rocky hills and mountains, usually in limestone soils; 700–3000 m; Ariz., N.Mex., Tex.; Mexico.
(1)  Dry, rocky hills and mountains, usually in limestone soils at elevations for 700 – 3000 meters in Southwestern N. America – Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. A bulb growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is hardy to zone 7. It is in flower from Jul to September.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring. The small bulbs are usually less than 2cm in diameter. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.
(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.  
(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101368
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+kunthii
**************************
#147(n)
Common Name: Largeflower Onion, Desert Onion, (Allium macropetalum )

Appearance and Habitat: Large-petal or desert onion is a low, desert species with narrowly linear leaves and pink-striped, six-petaled flowers in a cluster at the top of a separate stem.
(1)Desert plains and hills at elevations from 300 to 2500 meters in South-western N. America – Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. A bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is hardy to zone 5.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. They can be dried and stored for winter use. The North American Indians would singe the bulb to reduce the strong flavour and then eat it immediately or dry it for later use. Leaves – raw or cooked. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads.  
(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.
(4)
Foot Notes: (1) http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ALMA4

Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+macropetalum
***********************************
#147(o)
Common Name: Field Garlic (Allium oleraceum )

Appearance and Habitat:
Bulbs 1 or more, not attached to rhizome, ovoid, 1.2–2 × 1–1.5 cm; outer coats enclosing bulbs, brown to grayish brown, fibrous, fibers close, ± parallel; inner coats white to light brown, not cellular. Leaves withering from tip by anthesis, 2–4, sheathing proximal 1/2+ scape; blade fistulose proximally, solid distally, terete, linear to filiform, prominently ribbed proximally, channeled distally, 1.5–2.5 cm × 0.5–5 mm, margins and veins usually scabrid with minute teeth, apex acute. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, terete, 25–100 cm × 4–8 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact to ± loose, 0–40-flowered, subglobose, with few to many bulbils or with bulbils only; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 4–9-veined, lanceolate, unequal, apex acuminate into beak, beak long, slender, to 20 cm, ± equaling or longer than base. Flowers usually aborting before capsules mature, if present, campanulate, 6–8 mm; tepals erect, whitish or pinkish to purple, outer narrowly obovate, inner ± elliptic, unequal, margins entire, apex obtuse; stamens included; anthers yellow to reddish; pollen yellow; ovary crestless; style linear, equaling stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed; pedicel 15–60 mm. Seed coat unknown; capsules only rarely produced. Flowering late Jul–Aug. Roadsides and other disturbed ground; introduced; Europe. Allium oleraceum is reported from New England, where it is sometimes found on roadsides and other disturbed ground. It persists and is spread easily by the bulbils.(1)  Dry gassy places, waysides etc. Most of Europe, including Britain, east to the Caucasus. A bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jul to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September.(2)
Edible Uses:Bulb – raw or cooked. Used as a garlic flavouring in soups etc. The bulbs are 10 – 20mm in diameter. Leaves – raw or cooked. The young leaves are used as a garlic flavouring in soups and stews, but are inferior to that species. Flowers – raw. Used as a garnish on salads. Used mainly as a flavouring in soups and stews. Bulbils – raw or cooked.(3)
Medicinal Uses :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.(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101382
Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+oleraceum
*******************************
#147(p)
Common Name: Cultivated Garlic (Allium sativum )

Appearance and Habitat: Not known in a truly wild situtation. Original habitat is obscure, possibly C. Asia. An occasional garden escape in Britain. A bulb growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is hardy to zone 8 and is not frost tender.
Warnings: Avoid with anticlotting medication. Breastfeeding may worsen baby’s colic. Avoid several weeks prior to surgery.
Edible Uses: Bulb – raw or cooked. Widely used, especially in southern Europe, as a flavouring in a wide range of foods, both raw and cooked. Garlic is a wonderfully nutritious and health giving addition to the diet, but it has a very strong flavour and so is mainly used in very small quantities as a flavouring in salads and cooked foods. A nutritional analysis is available. The bulbs can be up to 6cm in diameter. Leaves – raw or cooked. Chopped and used in salads, they are rather milder than the bulbs. The Chinese often cultivate garlic especially for the leaves, these can be produced in the middle of winter in mild winters. The flowering stems are used as a flavouring and are sometimes sold in Chinese shops. The sprouted seed is added to salads
Medicinal Uses : Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where its fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative germs of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group, indeed it possesses outstanding germicidal properties and can keep amoebic dysentery at bay. It is also said to have anticancer activity. It has also been shown that garlic aids detoxification of chronic lead poisoning. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy. Recent research has also indicated that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of further heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients. Externally, the expressed juice is an excellent antiseptic for treating wounds. The fresh bulb is much more effective medicinally than stored bulbs, extended storage greatly reduces the anti-bacterial action. The bulb is said to be anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, stings, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Allium sativum for arteriosclerosis, hypertension, high cholesterol levels.
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+sativum
****************************
#147(q)
Common Name: Wild Chives (Allium schoenoprasum )

Appearance and Habitat:
Across southern Canada and northern United States; in Washington, along the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. Habitat: Wet meadows, rocky or gravelly streambanks and lake shores. Scapose perennials from elongate, clustered bulbs, inner coats whitish or pinkish, outer coats grayish or brownish, minutely striate. Leaves usually 2, terete, hollow, 1-7 mm. thick, partially sheathing and shorter than the scape; scape 2-5 dm. tall, rather stout, terete. Flowers: Umbel several- to many-flowered, pedicels slender, shorter than the tepals; tepals 8-12 mm. long, elliptic to lanceolate, pointed, the tips recurved, pale to deep lilac or white; stamens 6, over the length of the tepals. Blooms April to August.(1)  Rocky pastures and damp meadows, preferring calcareous soils. Most of Europe, including Britain, east to the Himalayas and Japan. A bulb growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Feb It is in flower from Jun to July, and the seeds ripen from Jul to August.(2)
Edible Uses: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. The leaves are often available from late winter and can continue to produce leaves until early the following winter, especially if they are in a warm, sheltered position. A good source of sulphur and iron. A nutritional analysis is available. The bulbs are rather small, and rarely exceed 10mm in diameter. They can be harvested with the leaves still attached and be used as spring onions. They have a pleasant mild onion flavour. The flowers can be used as a garnish in salads etc. The flowers of this species are rather dry and less desirable than the flowers of many other species.
(3)
Medicinal Uses :The whole plant has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and the blood circulation. It improves the appetite, is digestive, hypotensive and tonic. It has similar properties to garlic (A. sativum), but in a much milder form, and it is rarely used medicinally.
(4)
Foot Notes: (1)http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php?Genus=Allium&Species=schoenoprasum

Foot Notes: (2, 3, 4) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Allium+schoenoprasum
**************************
Reproduced, in part, (as well as previous postings under this title) in accordance with Section 107 of title 17 of the Copyright Law of the United States relating to fair-use and is for the purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Blogroll

  • Chinese Health & Fitness-All Phases Fitness & Health All Phases

Recent Posts

  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 169 Willow (part 3) November 28, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 169 – Willow (part 2) November 17, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants # 169 Willow (Part 1) November 7, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants #167-168 Corydalis – Ocotilla October 31, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants # 165 -166 Hound’s Tongue/ Mistletoe October 21, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants #163-164 Alfalfa-Figwort October 13, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 162 Poplar (part2) October 7, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants # 162 Poplar (part 1) September 30, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants #159 – 161 Water Cress/ Fleabane/ Syrian Rue September 23, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 158 – Sage (part2) September 18, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 158 Sage (part-1) September 11, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 156-157 Cleavers, Dandelion September 6, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 154-155 Pokeweed, Ground Ivy September 3, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 151-153 Ratany / Mexican Tea / Hollyhock August 29, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 149(Sup)-150 Gentian/Maidenhair Fern August 26, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 148 -149 Chicory-Gentian August 21, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 Onions/Leeks/Garlic (Part 3) August 17, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 Onion/Garlic/Leeks (part 2) August 12, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 147 – Onions/Leeks/Garlic (part 1) August 8, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medical Plants 145 -146 Oregon Grape (part 2)- Pennyroyal August 1, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 145 – Oregon Grape-Barberry part 1 July 26, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 144 – 145 Self Heal/Clover July 22, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 142 -143 Russian Olive/Sheperd’s Purse July 14, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 140 -141 Buckthorn/Wild Grape July 10, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 138 – 139 Licorice/Cow Parsnip July 3, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 136-137 Bugleweed-Dodder June 28, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 134-135 Russian Thistle-Fireweed/Great Willow Herb June 23, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants – 133 Hawthorn (part-2) June 20, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 133 Hawthorn (part 1) June 16, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 131- 132 Mullein/Cota June 11, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicial Plants 129-130 Jimson Weed/Bella-donna June 7, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants -128 Oak (Part 3) June 3, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants – 128 Oak (part-2) May 29, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 128 – Oak (part 1) May 25, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 126-27 Corydalis-Hops Tree May 21, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 123-125 Carveseed – Sedge – Maravilla May 16, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 121-122 Gromwell – Marsh Marigold May 13, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicial Plants 119-120 Firethorn-Strawberry May 9, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 118 – Bistort, Knotweed, Smartweed May 5, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 117 – Juniper April 29, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 115 – 116 Crabapples – Coral Root April 25, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicial Plants 113-114 False Solomon’s Seal/Nut Grass April 18, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 111-112 Cat’s Paw-Poleo Mint April 12, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 109-110 Catnip/Wormwood April 9, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 107/108 – Grindelia/Chaparral April 3, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 105-106 Potentilla – Puncture Vine March 30, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants 103-104/ Borage – Osha March 25, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants #101-102 Burdock – Cocklebur March 20, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicial Plants #100 – Yucca March 16, 2012
  • Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants – #98/99 Pine (Pt 3) – Sweetclover March 12, 2012

Archives

All Past Posts

Blog at WordPress.com.

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
%d bloggers like this: