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Allium - Hook.

Common Name Hooker's Onion, Tapertip onion
Family Alliaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
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 Amongst dry sunny rocks on hills and plains[60, 203].
Range Western N. America - Washington to N. California.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Allium Hooker


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Allium Hooker
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of bulb
Allium is a BULB growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Edible Uses

Bulb - raw or cooked[105, 177]. Eaten in spring and early summer[161]. A strong flavour[257]. The bulb is 10 - 15mm wide[200]. Leaves - raw or cooked. Used as a relish[257]. Flowers - raw. Used as a garnish on salads. The seed heads can be placed in hot ashes for a few minutes, then the seeds extracted and eaten[257].

References   More on Edible Uses

Composition
Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.
Root (Fresh weight)
  • 72 Calories per 100g
  • Water : 79.8%
  • Protein: 2.5g; Fat: 0.1g; Carbohydrate: 16.8g; Fibre: 0.7g; Ash: 0.8g;
  • Minerals - Calcium: 37mg; Phosphorus: 60mg; Iron: 1.2mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 12mg; Potassium: 334mg; Zinc: 0mg;
  • Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0.06mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0.02mg; Niacin: 0.2mg; B6: 0mg; C: 8mg;
  • Reference: [ 218]
  • Notes:

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.


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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

The growing plant is said to repel insects and moles[20]. The bulbs can be rubbed on the skin to repel insects[257].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[1]. The bulbs tend to rot when grown in cool wet climates, even if they are given sharp drainage[203]. This species is best in a cold frame and given a dry summer rest[163, 203]. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. Most members of this genus are intolerant of competition from other growing plants[203]. 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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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

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Allium acuminatumHooker's Onion, Tapertip onionBulb0.3 5-9  LMNDM322
Allium aflatunensePersian Onion, Ornamental OnionBulb1.0 4-8 MLMNM221
Allium akaka Bulb0.2 7-10  LMNDM321
Allium altaicum Bulb0.3 -  LMNM321
Allium ampeloprasumWild Leek, Broadleaf wild leekBulb1.8 5-9  LMHNDM532
Allium ampeloprasum babingtoniiBabington's LeekBulb1.8 0-0  LMHNDM332
Allium angulare Bulb0.0 -  LMNM321
Allium angulosumMouse GarlicBulb0.5 4-8  LMHSNM321
Allium atropurpureum Bulb1.0 7-10  LMSNM321
Allium bisceptrumAspen Onion, Twincrest onionBulb0.3 7-10  LMNM321
Allium bodeanum Bulb0.2 -  LMNDM321
Allium bolanderiBolander's OnionBulb0.2 6-9  LMNM321
Allium brevistylumShortstyle OnionBulb0.5 -  LMNMWe321
Allium canadenseCanadian Garlic, Meadow garlic, Fraser meadow garlic, Hyacinth meadow garlicBulb0.5 4-8  LMSNMWe422
Allium canadense mobilenseCanadian GarlicBulb0.5 4-8  LMSNMWe521
Allium carinatumKeeled GarlicBulb0.6 6-9  LMHSNM321
Allium carolinianum Bulb0.4 -  LMNDM321
Allium cepaOnion, Garden onionBulb0.6 4-10  LMNM533
Allium cepa aggregatumPotato OnionBulb1.2 4-8  LMNM433
Allium cepa ascalonicumShallotBulb0.3 4-8  LMNM532
Allium cepa proliferumTree Onion, Walking OnionBulb1.2 4-8  LMNM533
Allium cernuumNodding Onion, New Mexican nodding onionBulb0.5 5-9  LMHNM522
Allium chinenseRakkyoBulb0.3 6-9  LMNM421
Allium condensatum Bulb0.6 4-8  LMNM321
Allium cupanii Bulb0.3 7-10  LMNDM321
Allium douglasiiDouglas' OnionBulb0.3 0-0  LMNDM321
Allium dregeanumWild OnionBulb0.6 -  LMNDM321
Allium drummondiiPrairie Onion, Drummond's onionBulb0.3 6-9  LMNM321
Allium fistulosumWelsh OnionBulb0.6 5-9  LMHNM522
Allium flavumSmall Yellow Onion, Ornamental OnionBulb0.5 4-7 MLMHSNM221
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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.

 

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Botanical References

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