Allium canadense

Meadow Garlic Description:

Allium canadense, commonly known as wild garlic or meadow garlic, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and has a spread of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). The plant produces a central stem that is surrounded by long, narrow leaves.

The leaves of Allium canadense are linear in shape and are typically 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) long and 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6-1.2 cm) wide. They are dark green in color and have a slightly waxy texture. The leaves grow in a rosette at the base of the plant, and are often shorter than the flowering stem.

In late spring and early summer, Allium canadense produces a tall, slender stem that bears a cluster of small, pink or white flowers at the top. The flowers are arranged in a spherical shape and can be up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Each flower has six petals and is surrounded by several small, pointed bracts.

Allium canadense is edible and has a flavor that is similar to garlic. The plant has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties, and is still used today in traditional medicine. It is also a valuable plant for pollinators, as it provides nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.

Native Range:

Meadow garlic is found natively from the Dakotas south to Texas and eastward to Maine and Florida.

Standard Plant Information:

Plant Height: 1' - 2'

Bloom Time: June - July

Preferred Habitat: Does well with full sun exposure in open prairies, open woods, and rocky outcrops.

Sowing:

For most homeowners, the best option is to scatter seed on the ground by hand broadcasting at a minimum of 16-64 pls ounces per acre. For even coverage, we recommend that you broadcast seed in perpendicular rows across the site to ensure even coverage.

You’ll want to broadcast any grass seed first, which will get raked into the soil lightly. Next, it is ideal to mulch the area lightly with either a clean (no seed) straw or preferably with our native Little Bluestem straw, sold at our retail garden centers. After a light mulching is complete, now it’s time to broadcast your native wildflower seeds, which should not be raked into the soil. A good rain or watering is sufficient to cover the seed.

Planting:

Simply dig a hole in the soil slightly larger than the plant’s roots. Ensure that the soil line of the plant is maintained during the transfer (i.e. the plant should be at the same level with the ground as it was in the pot). Pack any loose dirt back around the plant and make sure you water it well the same day to ensure it has the best chance of survival.