Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Spreng.

Garlic Chive

© SRTurner

Family - Liliaceae

Habit - Perennial forb from a bulb, strongly colonial, strongly aromatic when bruised.

Stem - Aerial stems erect, to 60 cm, scapose, solid, terete, arising from bulb. Bulb brown, fibrous.

	Bulb.
© SRTurner

Leaves - Alternate, crowded near base of stem, strap-shaped, flattened, solid, entire, glabrous.

	Stem and leaf bases.
© SRTurner

	Leaves.
© SRTurner

Inflorescence - Umbels with 20-50 flowers, hemispheric to flat-topped.

	Inflorescence.
© SRTurner

Flowers - Actinomorphic, to 1 cm diameter, on stalks 1-3 cm. Perianth consisting of 3 petals and 3 sepals, these morphologically similar, spreading, white. Stamens 6, included. Ovary superior, 3-lobed, 3-locular, usually with 2 ovules per locule. Style linear, with unlobed capitate stigma.

	Flowers.
© SRTurner

	Perianth, ventral view.
© SRTurner

Fruits - 3-Locular capsules. Seeds shiny, irregular in shape, black.

	Fruits.
© SRTurner

Flowering - August - September.

Habitat - Disturbed areas, sun to partial shade.

Origin - Native to China.

Lookalikes - None close.

Other info. - This species is uncommon, only sporadically escaping cultivation. Large patches can be quite showy. In Missouri it is not truly naturalized, as populations do not seem to persist. The plant is edible, with a flavor similar to garlic, and it is frequently used in Asian cuisines.

The familial classification of the genus Allium is controversial, with some authors segregating it into Amaryllidaceae or Alliaceae.

Photographs taken at Young Conservation Area, Jefferson County, MO, 8-30-2016; also along Katy Trail west of Augusta, St. Charles County, MO, 9-20-2017 (SRTurner).