Wild garlic - Allium vineale (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Wild garlic

While Allium vineale is a type of garlic, it is generally not accepted as a substitute for garlic as it has a rather unpleasant aftertaste. Additionally, it is considered to be invasive, as it can taint grain with the flavor of garlic. It is usually resistant to most herbicides.

Scientific classification

Species

Wild garlic (Allium vineale)

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

2 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Yellow

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Wild garlic

Distribution of Wild garlic

Distribution Map

Wild garlic is native to Europe, the Middle East, and northwest Africa and widely cultivated in parts of North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is considered a noxious weed in Australia and North America as it affects grain production. It grows in fields below 450 meters in elevation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Pastures

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Protection, Healing

Interesting Facts

Wild garlic is a perennial noxious weed with a fragrance and flavor that resembles garlic. The fragrance of garlic is easy to smell when walking by or brushing next to this plant. While it is technically edible, some find that wild garlic has a bitter and unpleasant aftertaste. It has been known to taint the taste of crops and dairy.

Name Story

Wild garlic: All parts of this plant produce a strong garlic smell that if a cattle accidentally eat this plant during grazing, its milk and meat will carry a garlic taste. Moreover, not only that this weed invades the land field, but also that it makes the crops filled with the garlic smell. Hence, it is called wild garlic.

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Toxicity

Wild garlic is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans when ingested. All parts of the plant are poisonous, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid wild garlic due to unknown risks. It may also slow blood clotting. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if pets, especially cats or dogs, show symptoms of ingestion.

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Weed Control

Native to Eurasia and Africa, wild garlic is a common lawn weed found in its native habitat and North America. It is also considered an invasive species in Kenya and a noxious weed by the USDA. It aggressively spreads through wildlife consumption, seeding, and underground bulb shoots which enables it to quickly colonize an area. Wild garlic particularly threatens farmers, as wheat crops can become contaminated and livestock can get very sick from eating too much of this weed. All parts of the plant contain toxins. Manual removal of the entire bulb is the most effective means of control, as it is highly resistant to herbicides.

How to Control It

The best season for removing wild garlic is during the spring or early summer months. It is essential to remove wild garlic before it begins to seed, to prevent new growth in the following seasons.

Pulling by Hand: While this may be tedious, it's one of the most effective ways to remove wild garlic. Ensure you are removing the entire root system to prevent re-growth. Always wear gloves to protect your hands.
Hoeing: Use a sharp hoe to cut off wild garlic at the root level. Regular hoeing can starve the plant and eventually kill it.
Smothering: Cover the wild garlic with a layer of newspaper or cardboard, and then pile on several inches of garden compost or mulch. This method blocks sunlight that wild garlic need for photosynthesis.
Vinegar Spray: Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it directly onto the wild garlic. The acidity of the vinegar will kill them. This should be done during a sunny day for the best results.
Planting Dense Ground Cover: Planting dense ground cover plants can compete with wild garlic for resources and block sunlight, making it hard for them to survive. Choose plants such that they can out-compete wild garlic and provide aesthetic value to your garden.

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Quickly Identify Wild garlic

Linear, hollow leaves emit onion-like scent when crushed.

Basal leaves are long, thin, and emit pungent garlic smell.

Umbel arrangement of small white to purple flowers.

Distinctive 3-celled capsule fruit turning tan at maturity.

Round, smooth green stem with papery leaf remnants.

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Care Guide for Wild garlic

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Wild garlic thrives in its native environment with periodic moisture but prefers drier conditions. Water every 1-2 weeks to align with its moderate drought tolerance. Typically grown outdoors, wild garlic handles soil moisture well during its active season, keeping the bulb healthy without becoming waterlogged.

Propagation: Wild garlic propagates mainly through tubers in Spring. The process is straightforward, with success evident through new growth. For optimal outcomes, ensure proper planting depth and spacing during propagation.

Repotting: Wild garlic requires excellent drainage when planted in pots to thrive properly, ensuring optimal growth and health.

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Images of Wild garlic

Distribution of Wild garlic

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Wild garlic

Care Guide for Wild garlic

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