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Slender false garlic
Also known as: Fragrant onion, Onion weed, False garlic
Slender false garlic (Nothoscordum gracile) is a herbaceous perennial that will grow to 51 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with clusters of small white flowers with purple stripes and colorful green and gold stamens. Flowers bloom at the top of the stem. Considered a weed it is commonly found growing along sandy roadsides and woods. Attracts bees and other pollinators.
Scientific classification
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Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Spring, Early summer
Bloom Time
50 cm
Plant Height
Deciduous
Leaf type
10 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Slender false garlic

Distribution of Slender false garlic

Distribution Map
Slender false garlic is a plant species natively found in South America, within regions that encompass the biodiversity of the Amazon basin. Its range has extended considerably, being introduced across multiple continents such as North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. This broad distribution signifies slender false garlic's adaptability to various climates outside of its original habitat.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Sandy roadsides, woods and cultivated ground.
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Interesting Facts
Slender false garlic spreads very quickly in grasslands both via underground bulblets and via seeds carried on the wind. Anyone seeking to control the spread is best off digging them up; pulling slender false garlic often results in a splitting of bulblets, which only serves to increase the number of plants. The good news is you can eat it after digging it up!
Name Story
Slender false garlic: Slender false garlic has many common names, nearly all of which include either the word "garlic" or "onion." This is not a misnomer since it is a member of the family that includes both. And like its namesake, slender false garlic can be eaten raw or cooked as a substitute for ordinary garlic.
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Toxicity

Slender false garlic is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain. Neurological effects and hospital care might be needed for severe cases. Vigilance is crucial to prevent accidental ingestion, and immediate veterinary care is necessary for affected pets to ensure their well-being.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Slender false garlic

Weed Control

Slender false garlic is a plant originally from South America. This plant is considered a weed due to several characteristics. First, it has a high reproductive ability. Each bulb can produce multiple offsets, or mini bulbs, that grow into separate plants, making it difficult to completely remove. In addition to that, it has the ability to sprout from any piece of the bulb left in the ground, further enhancing its propagation ability. Furthermore, slender false garlic can negatively affect other plants in the garden by monopolizing resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, depriving native plants of these essentials for growth. The plant's harm to gardens is prevalent, posing threats to the balance of plant diversity. Lastly, slender false garlic mainly spreads through human activity, either through intentional planting or accidentally in soil or compost. Garden tools, machinery, and even water flows can also aid in its spread, making it a persistent and challenging weed to control.
How to Control It
The best season to remove slender false garlic is during spring when the plant is actively growing and before it sets seeds.
  1. Hand-pulling: Wear gardening gloves, grasp the base of the slender false garlic firmly, and pull slowly but firmly. Do it after a light rain or watering the area as the moist soil allows removing the whole root system easier.
  2. Smothering: Cover the area infested with slender false garlic with a thick layer, about 4-6 inches, of organic matter like wood chips or compost, and then add a layer of thick cardboard or landscape fabric on top to block sunlight. Anchor it with rocks or garden staples and leave it for a season to smother the plant.
  3. Solarization: This is ideal for summer. Wet the infested area, cover it with a clear plastic tarp, and seal the edges with soil or rocks. Sunlight will heat the soil beneath the tarp, effectively killing slender false garlic over several weeks.
  4. Vinegar spray: Mix a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Spray it directly onto the slender false garlic to kill them, being careful not to get the spray on other wanted plants.
  5. Planting Competitive species: Plant fast-growing, ground-cover plants that can outcompete slender false garlic for nutrients and sunlight.
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Care Guide for Slender false garlic

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
10 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Slender false garlic thrives in a consistent moisture regime, preferring regular hydration while being moderately drought-tolerant. It requires weekly watering to maintain even soil moisture. As an outdoor plant, it benefits from natural rainfall during the growing season to support robust growth.
Propagation: Slender false garlic can be easily multiplied by division during dormancy. Separate bulbs while ensuring each division has part of the root system. Replant promptly at the correct depth, providing adequate moisture and soil drainage for successful growth and propagation of this delicate perennial.
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