Alpine leek (Allium victorialis, Sp. Pl.: 295 (1753))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 295 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Europe to Himalaya

Description

Alpine leek, scientifically known as Allium victorialis, is a robust, perennial herb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. This species was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” in 1753.

Native to a vast geographical range extending from Europe to the Himalayas, the Alpine leek thrives in a variety of climates and altitudes. It is particularly well-adapted to mountainous regions where it can often be found growing in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and forest clearings.

The plant is recognized for its long, strap-shaped leaves that emanate from a bulbous base. These leaves are typically broad, with a smooth, glossy texture and can reach up to 30 cm in length. During the blooming season, which generally occurs in late spring to early summer, the Alpine leek produces a cluster of small, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are usually white or pale green and are arranged in a spherical umbel atop a towering stalk.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Allium victorialis is its strong, onion-like aroma, which becomes particularly pronounced when the leaves or bulbs are crushed. This scent has led to its use in traditional culinary and medicinal practices across various cultures within its native range. Historically, the Alpine leek has been utilized as a flavoring agent in local cuisines and as a remedy for a range of ailments, from digestive issues to respiratory conditions.

Ecologically, Alpine leek plays a significant role in its habitat. It acts as a food source for a variety of wildlife, including insects like bees, which are attracted to its nectar. Moreover, the plant contributes to soil stability with its dense, fibrous root system, helping to prevent erosion in its alpine habitats.

Cultivating Alpine leek can be rewarding, though it requires an environment that mimics its natural conditions—cool, well-drained soil with adequate moisture and a good amount of sunlight. Gardeners and horticulturalists value this plant not only for its practical uses but also for its ornamental appeal, adding a unique touch to rock gardens and wildflower meadows.

In summary, Allium victorialis, or Alpine leek, is a fascinating plant of both ecological and practical importance. Its extensive range, historical significance, and unique botanical features make it a subject of interest for botanists, gardeners, and herbalists alike.

Common Names

Deu: allermannsharnisch
Fra: ail de cerf
Eng: alpine leek, long-root garlic, long-root onion, victory onion
Swe: segerlök
Nob: seiersløk
Nno: sigerslauk
En: Alpine leek, Long-root garlic, Long-root onion, Victory onion, Korean Long-rooted Garlic, Serpent’s Garlic, Victory-leek
Az: Qarğasoğanı
Bg: Победен лук
Ca: All victorial
Zh: Ge cong, 茖葱
Hr: Planinski luk
Cs: Česnek hadí
Fi: Voitonlaukka
Fr: Ail de cerf, Ail de la Sainte-Victoire, Ail serpentin, Ail victorial, Faux Nard, Faux Spicanard, Herbe à neuf chemises, Herbe aux sept chemises et aux sept vertus, Ail victoriale
Ka: Მთის ღანძილი
De: Allermannsharnisch, Siegwurz-Lauch, Siegwurz
Hu: Győzedelmes hagyma
Is: Sigurlaukur
It: Aglio serpentino, Algio Serpentino
Ja: Gyōja-ninniku
Ko: Makino, Sanmanul
No: Alpeløk, Seiersløk, Sigerslauk
Nb: Seiersløk
Nn: Sigerslauk
Os: Давон
Pl: Czosnek siatkowaty
Ru: Čeremša, Luk Cheremsha, Luk Pobednyi, Лук победный
Sk: Cesnak hadí
Es: Victorial larga
Sv: Segerlök
Zh-tw: 茖蔥
Zh-hant: 茖蔥
Uk: Цибуля переможна

Synonyms

• Allium reticulatum (St.-Lag.)
• Allium victorialis var. angustifolium (Clus. ex Corrie)
• Allium convallarifolium (Pall. ex Ledeb.)
• Berenice victorialis ((L.) Salisb.)
• Allium anguinum (Bubani)
• Allium longibulbum (Dulac)
• Geboscon lanceolatum (Raf.)
• Caloscordum victorialis ((L.) Banfi & Galasso)
• Cepa victorialis ((L.) Moench)
• Anguinum victorialis ((L.) Fourr.)
• Geboscon triphylum (Raf.)
• Loncostemon victoriale ((L.) Raf.)
• Allium plantagineum (Lam.)
• Allium plantaginense (Willk. & Lange)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − CENTRE DE LA NATURE MONTAGNARDE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 1999 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Fabien (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by Lupulus Humulus (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu Sinet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2022 by Annie Pellegrini (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2021 by Mallol Camprubí Albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Baptiste Terrier (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jul 11, 2018 by michel.dussere (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by k.dimitrov d (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Llongarriu Adriana (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 25, 2020 by Nicola Loher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2857132)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:529108-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium victorialis L.)

Specifications

Growth