Allium triquetrum (Three-Cornered Leek)

Long-lived, Allium triquetrum (Three-Cornered Leek) is a small, upright, bulbous perennial with strap-shaped, fleshy leaves and strongly three-angled stems that give off a strong garlic scent when bruised or crushed. In late spring or early summer, white bell-shaped flowers, 3/4 in. across (2 cm), are produced in drooping one-sided clusters at the top of the stems. Each flower features six petals adorned with a green stripe running down the middle. All parts of the plant, from the bulb to the flowers, are edible fresh, or cooked, with a subtle leek or spring onion flavor. Native to north-western Africa, the Azores, the Madeira Islands, and southern Europe, Allium triquetrum occurs naturally along roadsides, in hedges, banks, and other shady places. This plant reproduces by seed and also vegetatively by bulbs and bullets, forming dense and persistent colonies that can crowd out and displace the native grasses and groundcovers when conditions are suitable (moist and shaded). Allium triquetrum is a significant environmental weed in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm).
• Thrives in part shade in moist, well-drained soils.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Allium triquetrum is native to the Mediterranean basin where it grows in meadows, woodland clearings, on river banks and roadside verges from sea level to an elevation of 850 metres (2,790 ft).

Many hundreds of Allium species exist, but only a modest few have made a name for themselves as garden plants. The ornamental onions distinguish themselves by their great diversity in color, inflorescence, and flowering height. Many species bloom in early summer – just after the spring-flowering period and just before the exuberant full bloom of summer. All species can be used in the border. Certain small species are just perfect for a rock garden, and several lend themselves to naturalizing.