Keeled garlic (Allium carinatum, Sp. Pl.: 297 (1753))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 297 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to N. Türkiye

Description

Keeled garlic, known scientifically as Allium carinatum, is a fascinating plant species within the Amaryllidaceae family. Originally described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, it carries the weight of historical botanical scholarship.

This particular species is native to a wide geographical range that spans Europe to Northern Türkiye, illustrating its adaptability to diverse climates and environments within this region. The keeled garlic is named for the distinct keel-like shape of its flowering stem, a unique feature that differentiates it from other members of the Allium genus.

The plant is typically characterized by its delicate and attractive flower clusters, which can add a splash of color to various landscapes. This ornamental appeal, coupled with its hardiness, makes it a popular choice for gardens and naturalized settings.

Throughout its blooming period, keeled garlic presents umbels of small, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms are usually a vibrant shade of purple, a striking contrast to its slender, green foliage. The overall effect is both elegant and subtle, perfect for enhancing garden aesthetics without overwhelming other plantings.

Ecologically, Allium carinatum plays a role in supporting pollinators, attracting bees and other insects that are vital for the health of garden ecosystems. Furthermore, its ability to proliferate in a range of soil types and conditions ensures that it can thrive in both well-tended garden beds and more rugged, wild landscapes.

In summary, keeled garlic is more than just a plant; it is a testament to botanical history, a contributor to biodiversity, and a gardener’s ally in creating beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces. Its enduring presence from the expanses of Europe to the edges of Northern Türkiye highlights its resilience and ecological value.

Common Names

Nld: berglook
Deu: gekielter lauch, gekielter lauch i.w.s.
Eng: keeled garlic
Dan: kølet løg
Fra: ail caréné, ail à pétales carénés
Nno: roselauk
Nob: roseløk
Swe: roseløk, rosenlök
Fin: roseløk
Cym: garlleg mynyddig, garlleg y mynydd
En: Keeled garlic
Bg: Гребенест лук
Cs: Česnek kýlnatý
Da: Kølet løg
Nl: Berglook
Et: Mägilauk
Fi: Punalaukka, Roseløk
Fr: Ail caréné, Ail à pétales carénés
De: Gekielter Lauch, Gekielter Lauch i.w.S.
Hu: Szarvas hagyma
It: Aglio delle Streghe
Nb: Roseløk
Nn: Roselauk
Pl: Czosnek grzebieniasty
Ru: Лук килеватый
Sv: Rosenlök, Roseløk
Cy: Garlleg y mynydd, Garlleg Mynyddig

Synonyms

• Allium foetidum (Willd.)
• Allium carinatum var. consimile (Jord. ex Gren.)
• Allium carinatum var. flexum ((Waldst. & Kit.) Nyman)
• Cepa carinata ((L.) Bernh.)
• Allium consimile (Jord. ex Gren.)
• Allium asperum (G.Don)
• Allium flexum var. flexifolium ((Jord. ex Gren. & Godr.) Jauzein & J.-M.Tison)
• Allium carinatum var. macrostemon (Döll)
• Allium flexifolium (Jord. ex Gren.)
• Allium pratense (Schleich. ex Kunth)
• Raphione carinata ((L.) Salisb.)
• Allium montenegrinum (Beck & Szyszył.)
• Allium carinatum var. violaceum (Nyman)
• Allium carinatum var. latifolium (Gaudin)
• Allium carinatum var. flexifolium ((Jord. ex Gren.) St.-Lag.)
• Allium carinatum var. stramineum (Wallr.)
• Allium carinatum subsp. violaceum ((Nyman) K.Richt.)
• Allium carinatum var. carneum (Wallr.)
• Codonoprasum consimile ((Jord. ex Gren. & Godr.) Fourr.)
• Codonoprasum flexifolium ((Jord. ex Gren. & Godr.) Fourr.)
• Codonoprasum carinatum ((L.) Rchb.)
• Aglitheis carinata ((L.) Raf.)
• Allium flexum (Waldst. & Kit.)
• Allium carinatum subsp. asperum ((G.Don) K.Richt.)
• Allium paniculatum var. pauciflorum (Gaudin)
• Allium monserratense (Pourr. ex Willk. & Lange)
• Allium carinatum var. asperum ((G.Don) Nyman)
• Allium paniculatum var. violaceum ((Willd.) Trevir.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Aug 31, 2021 by Laura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Wilma Heihsler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2018 by meg4ron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Mélissa Gallien (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Josef Kohler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Raymonde Wicky (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2018 by Zanirato Federico Ethan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Tomaž Jančar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Véronique Arnaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2019 by Theo Theo Roche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2017 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2018 by gianpi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Evelyne Marazzato (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2019 by Andrea Ass (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Taken Sep 25, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2855968)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:527777-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium carinatum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2