Allium
ExplorePlants
Allium
Allium
Allium flowers look like big purple pom-poms! They are fun to see in gardens and attract bees and butterflies.
Habitat: Alliums can be found in gardens, adding a pop of color.
Appearance
The Allium has distinctive spherical or star-shaped flower heads, often purple, pink, or white, perched atop tall, slender, leafless stalks. Its leaves are typically long and strap-like or hollow, emerging from a bulb underground.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassSpermatopsidaOrderLilialesFamilyLiliaceaeGenusAllium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians thought garlic Alliums were sacred, even putting them in tombs!
Cutting some Alliums can make your eyes water and cry!
The biggest Allium flower heads can be as wide as a dinner plate!
There are over 800 types of Allium, from tiny chives to giant onions!
Special abilities
Ability
Smelly Shield
Allium has powerful sulfur compounds that give it a pungent odor, helping to deter hungry animals and pests.
Ability
Underground Pantry
Allium stores energy and nutrients in its bulb underground, allowing it to survive harsh conditions and regrow each year.
Ability
Bulblet Builders
Many Allium species can produce small bulbils or offsets, allowing them to create new plants without needing seeds.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 15-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late Spring to Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Common Eastern bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Feeds on nectar, aiding reproduction.
eats
Onion maggot
Delia antiqua
Larvae tunnel into bulbs and roots.
eats
Human
Homo sapiens
Cultivates many species for food and flavor.
Traits
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
ChiveLeek
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Allium?
30-150 cm
How wide does Allium spread?
15-60 cm
How big are the flowers on Allium?
0.5-2 cm
When does Allium bloom?
Late Spring to Summer
Is Allium edible?
Yes
Is Allium toxic?
None
What is Allium's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Allium pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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