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Allium canadense mobilense - (Regel.)F.M.Ownb.

Common Name Canadian Garlic
Family Alliaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[76].
Habitats Low woods, thickets and meadows[43]. Woods and prairies in sandy or rocky soils, rarely on limestone or clay[274].
Range Southeaster N. America - Texas to North Carolina.
Edibility Rating    (5 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Allium canadense mobilense Canadian Garlic


Allium canadense mobilense Canadian Garlic

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of bulb
Allium canadense mobilense is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Bulb - raw or cooked[46, 61, 62, 177]. It can be used as a vegetable, or as a flavouring in soups and stews, and can also be pickled[2]. The bulb is up to 30mm in diameter, it is crisp, mild and with a pleasant flavour[183]. Used as a leek substitute according to one report[22], it is a garlic substitute according to others[55, 159, K]. Leaves - raw or cooked[55, 62, 177]. A delicious mild flavour, they are available from early spring until the autumn[K]. They make a very acceptable salad and can also be used as a greens or as a flavouring in cooked foods[K]. Flowers - raw. A little bit stronger flavour than the leaves, especially as the seeds begin to form, they can be used as a flavouring and garnish on salads[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antiasthmatic  Carminative  Cathartic  Diuretic  Expectorant  Stimulant

The plant is antiasthmatic, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant and stimulant[257]. A tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup[257]. 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[K].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Repellent

The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent. The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles[20].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[1]. A moisture loving plant according to another report[42]. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. Bulbs grow to a good size under cultivation[183]. Some forms of this species produce many bulbils and are considered to be a pernicious weed in some areas of America[159], there is some risk that they could spread aggressively in Britain. This subspecies, however, is a form that does not produce bulbils and is much better behaved[200]. Grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[18, 20, 54]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[201]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant 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. Very easy, the plants divide successfully at any time in the growing season and the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions if required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Regel.)F.M.Ownb.

Botanical References

43200

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