Wild garlic vs. Wild onion
June 16, 2015
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EmailAllium vineale L vs. Allium canadense L.
Life cycle
Perennial.
Wild garlic.
Leaves
Leaves of wild garlic are hollow and branch off the main stem. Leaves of wild onion are flat, not hollow, and emerge from the base of the plant. Leaves of both plants are thin, green and waxy, and can be confused with grasses when young.
Stems
Wild garlic stems occur singly, are hollow and branched into leaves. Wild onion stems occur in bunches, are not hollow and not branched. Both emit a garlic odor when crushed or cut.
Wild garlic plants.
Flowers and fruit
Wild garlic flowers may be green or purple; wild onion flowers are generally white or pink and are found on top of solid flowering stems. In both species, flowers are often replaced by aerial bulbs.
Wild garlic seedhead.
Reproduction
Aerial and underground bulblets primarily, occasionally seed. Wild garlic bulbs have a thin membranous covering. Wild onion bulbs have a net-veined covering.
Wild garlic plant with bulb.
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