Alpine Leek, Victory onion

Allium victorialis

Physical Characteristics

Allium victorialis is a BULB growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from November to July, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. 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.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean to Russia, China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked[183]. An onion substitute[22]. The plants are as pungent as garlic[203]. The bulbs are rather small, about 10 - 20mm in diameter, and are produced in clusters on a short rhizome[200]. Leaves - raw or cooked. The stems and leaves are eaten[177, 179], they are much favoured in Japan[116]. Flowers - raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Antiscorbutic Carminative Diuretic Vermifuge Women's complaints The root is antiscorbutic, carminative, diuretic and vermifuge[1, 46, 178, 218]. Used in the treatment of profuse menstruation[1, 46, 178].

Known Hazards

Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in very large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[76].