Explore Allium sphaerocephalon (Round-headed Leek) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Allium sphaerocephalon | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Round-headed Leek, Drumstick Allium, Round-headed Garlic, Ball-head Onion,
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Appearance: A perennial herb with a distinctive, dense, spherical inflorescence of small, tightly packed purple-red flowers atop a long, slender stalk.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herb
Root System: Features a bulbous root system
Height: Up to 90 cm
Width: Approximately 10 cm
Lifespan: Several years
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Not known hazards
Allium sphaerocephalon | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Companionship: Often found with other herbaceous perennials and grasses
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 8
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Sown directly in the garden; requires light for germination
Bulbs: Yes, typically divided in the fall
Allium sphaerocephalon | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Bulbs and leaves can be used as a culinary herb
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not used for timber
Firewood: Not typically used for firewood
Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators
Pest Repellent: Known to repel certain pests due to its strong aroma
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects
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