All parts of the plant have a strong garlicodour. The underground bulb is 1–2 cm diameter, with a fibrous outer layer. The main stem grows to 30–120 cm tall, bearing 2–4 leaves and an apical inflorescence 2–5 cm diameter comprising a number of small bulbils and none to a few flowers, subtended by a basal bract. The leaves are slender hollow tubes, 15–60 cm long and 2–4 mm thick, waxy texture, with a groove along the side of the leaf facing the stem. The inflorescence is a tight umbel surrounded by a membranous bract in bud which withers when the flowers open. Each individual flower is stalked and has a pinkish-green perianth 2.5 to 4.5 mm (3⁄32 to 3⁄16 in) long. There are six tepals, six stamens and a pistil formed from three fused carpels. Mixed with the flowers are several yellowish-brown bulbils. The fruit is a capsule but the seeds seldom set and propagation usually takes place when the bulbils are knocked off and grow into new plants.[8][9] Plants with no flowers, only bulbils, are sometimes distinguished as the varietyAllium vineale var. compactum, but this character is probably not taxonomically significant.[citation needed]
Uses and problems
Wild onions washed and ready to be diced up for a fried rice dish. They add a pleasant garlic-like flavor to meals.
The leaves, flowers, and bulbs of Allium vineale are edible.[10] While it has been suggested as a substitute for garlic, there is some difference of opinion as to whether there is an unpleasant aftertaste compared to that of common garlic (Allium sativum).[citation needed] It imparts a garlic-like flavour and odour on dairy and beef products when grazed by livestock. It is considered a pestilential invasive weed in the US, as grain products may become tainted with a garlic odour or flavour in the presence of aerial bulblets at the time of harvest.[11][12][13] Wild garlic is tolerant to herbicides, which cannot cling well to the vertical, smooth and waxy structure of its leaves.[14][15]
Allium vineale 'Hair', a cultivated variety, is sold as an ornamental plant in the UK and USA. It has unusual flowerheads which have purple centres and green hair-like extensions.[16][17]
^"Allium vineale". North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Retrieved May 4, 2023. The leaves, flowers, and bulbs are edible and can be used similarly to chives, although they tend to be a bit tougher.
^Eric Block, "Garlic and Other Alliums: The Lore and the Science" (Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2010)
^James L. Brewster, "Onions and Other Alliums" (Wallingford: CABI Publishing, 2008)
^Dilys Davies, "Alliums: The Ornamental Onions" (Portland: Timber Press, 1992)
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