Canada onion (Allium canadense, Sp. Pl.: 1195 (1753))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1195 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

The Canada onion, scientifically known as Allium canadense, is a noteworthy member of the Amaryllidaceae family. This perennial plant is native to regions stretching from Eastern Canada to Central and Eastern parts of the United States. First described in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, the Canada onion has since been recognized for its distinctive characteristics and ecological significance.

Characterized by its slender, grass-like leaves, the Canada onion typically grows to heights of 30 to 50 centimeters. This plant is well-known for its edible bulb, which has been utilized by indigenous peoples and early settlers for its mild, onion-like flavor. During the blooming period, Allium canadense produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers. These blossoms not only add aesthetic value to natural landscapes but also play a crucial role in supporting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The Canada onion thrives in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It favors well-drained soils and can often be found growing in areas with partial to full sunlight. In addition to its ecological contributions, this plant is valued for its resilience and low maintenance requirements, making it an attractive option for wildflower gardens and naturalized areas.

Overall, the Canada onion is a plant of considerable ecological and botanical interest. Whether admired for its beauty, studied for its adaptability, or harvested for its culinary potential, Allium canadense continues to hold an appreciated place in the diverse tapestry of North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: canada onion, canadian garlic, meadow garlic, meadow leek, meadow onion, wild canada onion, wild garlic, wild onion, canada garlic, canada wild onion
Fra: ail du canada
Swe: kanadalök
En: Canada onion, Meadow garlic, Meadow leek, Wild garlic, Canadian garlic, Wild Canada onion, Wild onion, Canada garlic, Meadow onion, Canada wild onion
Ar: ثوم كندي
Bg: Канадски лук
Cs: Česnek kanadský
Fr: Ail du Canada
Fa: سیرموک
Es: Ajo de montaña, Ajo porro
Sv: Kanadalök

Synonyms

• Kalabotis canadensis ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Cuba (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Froggie Marjon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2018 by chitan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Marilyn Cummins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by Hong Wang (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Sheila Simpson (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 8, 2020 by James Neighbors (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Cloutier-Brassard Charles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Kristen Morris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2021 by lisa kay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2021 by Gal Nan (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 21, 2019 by Tam Tam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Lysiane Fournier Ferron (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2020 by Amanda Blevins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 4, 2021 by Rena Woode (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by Robert Breeding (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2021 by ziesook you (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2019 by Joshua Kuykendall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Joshua Kuykendall (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Jeska Toma (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2855611)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:527759-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium canadense L.)

Specifications

Growth