Allium canadense var. mobilense

Identification tip: Allium canadensis var. mobilensis has only flowers, ranging from white to pink, in its umbels while A. canadensis var. canadensis has bulbils on its umbel.

Allium canadense is easily started from seed in the greenhouse during late winter or early spring. Bulbs can be divided in fall.

An acceptable forage for cattle but can taint the taste of milk in dairy cows.

Allium is an ancient name for garlic. It is thought to be derived from the Celtic word "all", which means pungent. This variety is most commonly found in prairie and is less weedy than var. canadense. It occurs mostly on sandy or gravely soils but can be found in clay. It is grows throughout the southeastern United States from Missouri to Georgia and west to Texas. The bulbs and young leaves of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked anytime of year, but are best in the fall or early spring (Chase 1965).