Allium sphaerocephalon L.

An onion family plant. It is a bulb plant. It grows 60-90 cm high and spreads 30-50 cm wide. The leaves are hollow and 30 cm long. There are 2-6 leaves on each bulb. They sheath the lower part of the stem. The bract around the flowers has 2 valves and a short beak. The flower-heads are cone shaped. They have small, purple or red flowers. There can sometimes be bulbils. The flower-heads can be 2-4 cm across. The stamens stick out.

It is a temperate plant. It grows in sandy and rocky places in grass. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

The bulbs are eaten. The dried leaves are used as food. The flowers can be eaten raw or used as a garnish on salads. They are used in salads and soups.

Can be grown by divisions or seedlings. Seeds needs stratification.