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Similar but less problematic plants:
Allium cristophii Flowers
Allium hollandicum Form
Native alternative(s) for Allium neapolitanum:
Claytonia virginica Form
Erythronium americanum Erythronium americanum with bumblebee
Mertensia virginica Mertensia virginia
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Allium moly Flower form
Allium oreophilum Form in native habitat
Anemone blanda Flowers
Allium neapolitanum has some common insect problems:
Bulb Mites

White Garlic Allium neapolitanum

Previously known as:

  • Allium cowanii
Phonetic Spelling
AL-ee-um nee-ah-pol-ih-TAY-num
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

White garlic is a bulb in the Amaryllis family that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has naturalized in CA, AL, GA and Florida. It is considered invasive in parts of the country.

The plant has clusters of white flowers with yellow anthers in May-June atop strap-like green leaves. The bulbs naturalize easily with off-sets 

Plant in well-drained soils in full sun. Use in rock gardens, naturalized areas or cottage gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Bulb mites can occur.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Allium.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#spring flowers#tunicated bulb#groundcover#naturalizes#rock garden#border planting#cutting garden#spring flowering bulbs#weed#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#poisonous#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#white flowers#spring flowers#tunicated bulb#groundcover#naturalizes#rock garden#border planting#cutting garden#spring flowering bulbs#weed#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Allium
    Species:
    neapolitanum
    Family:
    Amaryllidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southern Europe and northern Africa
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    deer, rabbit drought
    Edibility:
    Leaves, bulbs, and bulblets are edible. However, the plant also has poisonous characteristics as noted in the "Poisonous to Humans" section of this record. Toxicity can depend on the age of the person or animal, the age of the plant, the part of the plant ingested, how much is ingested, whether the person or animal has sensitivities or allergies, whether it's eaten raw or cooked, and so forth. Consult with a medical professional for further details.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Poisonous
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    White flowers with yellow anthers in 3-4 inch clusters in spring to early summer. Individual flowers are small, 6-parted and star-shaped.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are basal 20" long and 1" wide, slender and flat. Smells of garlic or onion.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Slightly winged green stem
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Weedy
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Poisonous through ingestion. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. (Poison parts: All parts; bulbs, bulblets, flowers, and stems)
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Sulfides
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems