Status:
valid
Authors:
Airy Shaw
Source:
wcs
Year:
1931
Citation Micro:
Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 16: 140 (1931)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000755893
Common Names
- Medusa's Head
- Snake's Head Garlic
- St. Peter's Garlic
Description
Allium caput-medusae (also called Medusa's Head Onion, among many other common names) is a bulbous perennial plant native to Europe, Asia and North America. It has narrow, linear leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Allium caput-medusae is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a culinary herb. It has a mild onion flavor and is used in salads, soups, and other dishes. It is also used to make herbal teas and as a medicinal herb.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Allium caput-medusae has white, star-shaped flowers that are about 1 inch in diameter. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Allium caput-medusae is a hardy perennial bulb that is easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Propagate by dividing the bulbs in early spring, or by seed sown in spring or autumn.
Where to Find Allium caput-medusae
Allium caput-medusae is native to the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Italy and Greece.
Allium caput-medusae FAQ
What is the scientific name of Allium caput-medusae?
Allium caput-medusae
What are the common names of Allium caput-medusae?
Medusa's Head Onion, Medusa's Head Garlic
Where is Allium caput-medusae native to?
Eastern Europe
Species in the Allium genus
Allium aaseae,
Allium abramsii,
Allium acidoides,
Allium aciphyllum,
Allium acuminatum,
Allium acutiflorum,
Allium aegilicum,
Allium affine,
Allium afghanicum,
Allium aflatunense,
Allium agrigentinum,
Allium akaka,
Allium alabasicum,
Allium alaicum,
Allium albiflorum,
Allium albotunicatum,
Allium albovianum,
Allium alexandrae,
Allium alexeianum,
Allium alibile,
Allium alpinarii,
Allium altaicum,
Allium altissimum,
Allium altyncolicum,
Allium amethystinum,
Allium ampeloprasum,
Allium amphibolum,
Allium amplectens,
Allium anacoleum,
Allium anatolicum,
Allium anceps,
Allium angulosum,
Allium anisopodium,
Allium anisotepalum,
Allium antiatlanticum,
Allium anzalonei,
Allium apulum,
Allium archeotrichon,
Allium arkitense,
Allium arlgirdense,
Allium armenum,
Allium armerioides,
Allium aroides,
Allium artemisietorum,
Allium asarense,
Allium ascalonicum,
Allium aschersonianum,
Allium asclepiadeum,
Allium asirense,
Allium asperiflorum,
Species in the Amaryllidaceae family
Acis autumnalis,
Acis longifolia,
Acis rosea,
Acis trichophylla,
Acis fabrei,
Acis nicaeensis,
Acis tingitana,
Acis trichophylla,
Acis valentina,
Acis ionica,
Agapanthus africanus,
Agapanthus campanulatus,
Agapanthus caulescens,
Agapanthus coddii,
Agapanthus inapertus,
Agapanthus praecox,
Agapanthus walshii,
Allium aaseae,
Allium abramsii,
Allium acidoides,
Allium aciphyllum,
Allium acuminatum,
Allium acutiflorum,
Allium aegilicum,
Allium affine,
Allium afghanicum,
Allium aflatunense,
Allium agrigentinum,
Allium akaka,
Allium alabasicum,
Allium alaicum,
Allium albiflorum,
Allium albotunicatum,
Allium albovianum,
Allium alexandrae,
Allium alexeianum,
Allium alibile,
Allium alpinarii,
Allium altaicum,
Allium altissimum,
Allium altyncolicum,
Allium amethystinum,
Allium ampeloprasum,
Allium amphibolum,
Allium amplectens,
Allium anacoleum,
Allium anatolicum,
Allium anceps,
Allium angulosum,
Allium anisopodium,