Allium validum S.Watson

Bulbs 2–20+, clustered on thick, iris-like rhizome, elongate, 2–5 × 1–2.5 cm; outer coats enclosing 1 or more bulbs, brownish, membranous, minutely striate, cells in regular vertical rows, elongate, not fibrous-reticulate, fibers persistent, parallel, few, coarse; inner coats reddish purple or whitish, minutely striate, cells in regular vertical rows, elongate. Leaves persistent, green at anthesis, 3–6, sheathing basally, sheaths not extending much above soil surface; blade solid, flat, 20–70(–80) cm × 4–15 mm, margins entire. Scape persistent, solitary, erect, solid, flattened and narrowly winged distally, 30–70 cm × 2–7 mm. Umbel persistent, erect, compact, 15–30-flowered, hemispheric, bulbils unknown; spathe bracts persistent, 2, 3–5-veined, broadly ovate, ± equal, apex acute. Flowers ± campanulate, 8–10 mm; tepals erect to ± spreading, pink, narrowly lanceolate, ± equal, withering in fruit, margins entire, apex acuminate, midribs scarcely thickened; stamens exerted; anthers yellow or purple; pollen yellow; ovary crestless; style exserted, linear, longer than stamens; stigma capitate, unlobed; pedicel 10–15 mm, elongating and becoming stout in fruit. Seed coat dull; cells smooth or minutely roughened. 2n = 28, 56.

It is a temperate plant. It suits dry to moist soils. It is best in a sandy loam soil and pH between 6.2-8. It can tolerate frost. It needs a frost free period of 19 weeks.

The bulbs are used as flavouring in soups and stews. The flowers can be eaten raw or used as a garnish in salads.

Plants can be grown by sowing the small bulblets.