Canadian Garlic, Meadow garlic, Fraser meadow garlic, Hyacinth meadow garlic

Allium canadense

Physical Characteristics

Allium canadense 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.

Distribution

N. America - New Brunswick to Minnesota, south to Florida and Colorado

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]. Some forms of this species produce bulbils. These top-setting bulbils make a fine onion flavoured pickle[62, 105, 183]. They are said to have a superior flavour to other pickled onions[2].

Medicinal Uses

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].

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].