Allium ampeloprasum Wild leek (Alliaceae)

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Allium ampeloprasum
Wild leek
(1 Page of 5)

The Allium ampeloprasum plant species is found in S. Europe to W. Asia. Possibly native in Britain in S.W. England and Wales[17]. It is a member of the Alliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wild leek.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Allium ampeloprasum
Common Name:  Wild leek
Family:  Alliaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Although no individual reports regarding this species have been seen, there have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of certain members of this genus. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[76].

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:  0.1

Habitat:  Rocky places near the coast in S.W. England and Wales[17].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a sunny position in a light well-drained soil[1]. Prefers a dry position[45]. Succeeds in clay soils[203]. Tolerates a pH in the range 5.2 to 8.3. The bulbs should be planted fairly deeply[1]. The wild leek is a rare native of Britain, found only in the southwest and Wales, though it should be hardy in most parts of the country. It comes into growth in the autumn, dying down in the summer, and makes a very pleasant winter leaf, either raw or cooked. It is a rather variable plant, especially in the amount of flowers and bulbils produced. The species produces mainly flowers with almost no bulbils, whilst the sub-species A. ampeloprasum babbingtonii (Babbington's Leek) produces lots of bulbils and almost no flowers[17]. The cultivated leek (A. ampeloprasum porrum) is believed to have been developed from this plant whilst, in Germany and Italy, other forms have been selected for their edible bulbils[142]. The cultivar 'Perizweibel' is often used, the bulbils are solid rather than made up of layers and are popularly used for making pickles[183]. This cultivar does not set seed[183]. Another cultivated form of this plant produces very large, mild-garlic flavoured bulbs that are up to 500g in weight[183].They are known as elephant garlic[183]. The wild leek grows well with most plants, especially roses, carrots, beet and chamomile, but it inhibits the growth of legumes[18, 20, 54]. This plant is a bad companion for alfalfa, each species negatively affecting the other[201]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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