Slender false garlic
Nothoscordum gracile

Family: Alliaceae

What it is like

Nothoscordum gracile is a BULB growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by 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.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Sandy roadsides, woods and cultivated ground in southeastern N. America.

South America. A garden escape in south-eastern N. America and Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Bulb - raw or cooked. A garlic substitute, it is used as a spice. The bulb is about 15mm in diameter.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a light sandy soil in a sunny position. This species reproduces freely when in good growing conditions and has become a weed in some gardens. The flowers have a rich, sweet lily-like perfume.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Spring sown seed germinates freely. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in spring. Division of offsets after the leaves die down in summer. Larger bulbs can be replanted immediately into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on for a year before planting them out when dormant in late summer.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

N. fragrans. Allium fragrans. A. inodorum. non L.