Hairy garlic (Allium subhirsutum, Sp. Pl.: 295 (1753))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 295 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit.

Description

Hairy garlic, scientifically recognized as Allium subhirsutum, is a notable species within the Amaryllidaceae family. Known for its distinctive, slightly rough foliage that gives it the “hairy” moniker, this perennial plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region.

Characterized by its circular, tubular leaves that tend to be soft yet bristly to the touch, Allium subhirsutum is a fascinating subject for both amateur botanists and seasoned horticulturists alike. The plant generally blooms in the spring with clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers that exhibit a delicate, enchanting beauty. These blooms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a magnet for various pollinators including bees and butterflies, contributing to the plant’s ecological niche.

Apart from its visual appeal, Hairy garlic possesses a mild garlicky aroma and flavor, which makes it a unique addition to culinary practices. Despite its somewhat modest appearance compared to other ornamental Allium species, it carries a rich historical significance, dating back to when it was first documented by the eminent Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

Cultivating Allium subhirsutum can be a rewarding experience. It thrives best in well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade, making it versatile for a variety of garden settings. Like many Allium species, it is relatively low-maintenance and resilient, requiring minimal care once established.

In summary, the Hairy garlic is not just a plant of simple beauty and historical interest, but it also offers practical benefits for pollinators and culinary use. Its adaptability and ease of cultivation make it suitable for gardeners looking to add a touch of the Mediterranean to their plant collections.

Common Names

Eng: hairy garlic
Deu: wimper-lauch
Swe: flocklök
Cym: garlleg blewog
Nld: harige look
En: Hairy garlic
Ar: ثوم شعري
Ca: All subhirsut
Cs: Česnek ochlupený
Nl: Harige look
Fi: Ripsilaukka
Fr: Ail cilié, Ail un peu hérissé
De: Wimper-Lauch, Wimperblättriger Lauch
El: Άλλιο το υπόδασυ
It: Aglio pelosetto
Sc: Giuajone
Sv: Flocklök
Cy: Garlleg blewog

Synonyms

• Allium graminifolium (Buch)
• Allium ciliatum (Cirillo)
• Kalabotis clusianum ((Retz. ex Willd.) Raf.)
• Iulus niveum ((Roth) Salisb.)
• Allium subhirsutum subsp. ciliare ((Cirillo ex Redouté) Maire & Weiller)
• Allium subvillosum var. clusianum ((Retz. ex Willd.) Nyman)
• Allium ciliare (Cirillo ex Redouté)
• Iulus subhirsutum ((L.) Salisb.)
• Allium subhirsutum var. ciliatum ((Cirillo) Briq.)
• Allium subhirsutum var. hellenicum (Hausskn.)
• Allium clusianum (Retz. ex Willd.)
• Allium subhirsutum var. brachystemon ((Redouté) P.Fourn.)
• Allium brachystemon (Redouté)
• Allium hirsutum (Lam.)
• Allium tineoi (C.Presl)
• Allium subhirsutum subsp. ciliatum ((Cirillo) Holmboe)
• Allium loiseleurii ((Rouy) Prain)
• Allium niveum (Roth)
• Allium subhirsutum var. corbariense (Timb.-Lagr. ex Nyman)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Romania (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Michele BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2018 by katerinatzoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2017 by Jaume Franch (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 5, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2010 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 5, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by yvon s (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2022 by cirse (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Else Nolden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Danielle ROCHE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Maria filyra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2020 by Pol Pi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 27, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Danielle Roche (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 5, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 12, 2022 by trees flinkerbusch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2020 by nigra sambucus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2021 by sonia bianco (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2855683)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:528944-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium subhirsutum L.)

Specifications

Growth