Hairy garlic
Allium subhirsutum

Family: Amaryllidaceae

What it is like

An onion family plant. It is a bulb plant. It grows 20-30 cm high and spreads 20-40 cm wide. The leaves are grass like but fairly broad and flat. They have fine hairs on the edge. The leaves are 25-50 cm long. There are 2-3 leaves on each bulb. The flowers are white and in loose heads. These heads are 3-6 cm across.

There are about 300-700 Allium species. Most species of Allium are edible (Flora of China). All alliums are edible but they may not all be worth eating! They have also been put in the family Alliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in rocky and sandy habitats. It is often close to the sea. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Australia, Balkans, Crete, Croatia, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, North Africa, Portugal, Sicily, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The leaves are fried with egg. The flowers can be eaten raw or used as a garnish in salads. The bulbs are eaten raw or cooked.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, root, bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Agghiu sarvaggiu, Azu, Koremen, Kormen

Synonyms

Several