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Leek Lily

Allium moly

Allium moly Allium moly

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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Asparagales
Family:
Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)
Also in this family:
African Lily, Babington's Leek, Broad-leaved Leek, Crow Garlic, Cyclamen Daffodil, Few-flowered Garlic, Field Garlic, Garlic, Greater Snowdrop, Green Snowdrop, Hairy Garlic, Honey Garlic, Hoop-petticoat Daffodil, Keeled Garlic, Neopolitan Garlic, Onion, Pleated Snowdrop, Poet's Daffodil, Queen Olga's Snowdrop, Rosy Garlic, Round-headed Leek, Sand Leek, Sea Daffodil, Spring Snowflake, Spring Starflower, Summer Snowflake, Tenby Daffodil, Three-cornered Garlic, Wild Daffodil
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, meadows, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Yellow, 6 petals
 
Allium moly bears bright yellow, star-shaped flowers in clusters atop slender stems. The flowers are composed of 6 petals and have a diameter of around 1-2 inches.
Fruit:
Allium moly produces small, three-sided capsules filled with tiny, black seeds. These capsules split open to disperse the seeds when they are ripe.
Leaves:
Allium moly has long, sword-shaped leaves that are gray-green in color. The leaves grow in a basal clump and are up to 8 inches long.
Aroma:
The flowers have a distinct onion-scent.
Other Names:
Golden Garlic, Yellow garlic.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Allium moly, commonly known as leek lily or yellow garlic, is a bulbous perennial plant in the onion family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other parts of the world. The plant grows to a height of 8–30 inches and produces yellow flowers in the summer. The leaves are narrow and grass-like, while the bulbs are small and round. Allium moly is prized for its culinary uses, including adding flavor to stews, soups, and other dishes. It is also used as a medicinal herb, with purported benefits ranging from wound healing to cancer prevention.

Blog

Allium moly, commonly known as the Leek Lily or Golden Garlic, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Alliaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. In this blog, we will explore the characteristics, cultivation, and uses of Allium moly.

Characteristics

The Leek Lily grows up to a height of 15-30 cm and produces beautiful golden-yellow flowers in the summer. The flowers are star-shaped and arranged in umbels. The leaves are narrow and long, resembling those of a leek. The bulbs of Allium moly are small and produce numerous offsets, which can be used for propagation.

Cultivation

Allium moly is an easy-to-grow plant that prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can grow in moderately acidic to alkaline soil. The Leek Lily is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. It can be propagated by division of the bulbs or by seed. Plant the bulbs in the autumn, at a depth of 8-10 cm and a distance of 10-15 cm apart. Water regularly, but do not overwater as the plant is susceptible to rot.

Uses

The Leek Lily is primarily grown for its ornamental value. Its bright yellow flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden and are particularly effective when planted in groups. Allium moly is also useful for naturalizing in meadows, and the bulbs can be left in the ground to multiply over time. The flowers of Allium moly are also attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a good plant for pollinator gardens.

In addition to its ornamental value, Allium moly has some medicinal properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and hypertension. The bulbs of Allium moly contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and sulfur compounds, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic properties.

Allium moly is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is perfect for adding color to your garden. Its ornamental value, combined with its medicinal properties, make it a worthwhile addition to any garden.

More Information about the Leek Lily

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, Allium moly has culinary applications as well. Its bulbs have a mild garlic flavor and can be used as a substitute for garlic or onion in recipes. The bulbs can be harvested in the summer when they are still small and used fresh or dried for later use. The leaves of Allium moly are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

Allium moly is also used in the cosmetic industry. The sulfur compounds found in the bulbs are believed to have skin-rejuvenating properties and are used in some cosmetic products. The plant extract is also used in hair care products as it is believed to stimulate hair growth.

The Leek Lily has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research has confirmed some of its medicinal properties. The plant has been found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to have a protective effect on the liver and can help to lower blood pressure.

Allium moly is a versatile plant with a range of uses. It is easy to grow, has ornamental value, and can be used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add color and interest to your garden, Allium moly is an excellent choice.

Allium moly has been used in folklore and traditional medicine for centuries. In medieval Europe, the plant was believed to have protective properties and was used to ward off evil spirits and witchcraft. It was also used as a remedy for snake bites and other venomous bites. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant has been used to treat digestive disorders, coughs, and fever.

Modern research has also investigated the potential health benefits of Allium moly. The plant has been found to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which may make it useful in treating infections. The sulfur compounds found in the bulbs have also been found to have cancer-fighting properties, and some studies have shown that Allium moly may help to prevent the growth of certain types of cancer cells.

Allium moly is also used in gardening as a natural pest control agent. The plant produces a compound called allyl sulfide, which is toxic to some garden pests, including slugs and snails. Planting Allium moly around the edges of a garden bed can help to deter these pests and protect other plants from damage.

Overall, Allium moly is a versatile and useful plant with a range of potential applications. Whether you are looking to add color to your garden, explore traditional medicine, or investigate potential health benefits, Allium moly is a plant worth considering.

20 Facts about the Leek Lily

Here are 20 facts about Allium moly:

  1. Allium moly is also known as the Golden Garlic, Lily Leek, and Yellow Garlic.

  2. It is native to Europe and Western Asia.

  3. The plant belongs to the Alliaceae family, which also includes onions, garlic, and chives.

  4. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall.

  5. Allium moly produces star-shaped golden-yellow flowers in the summer.

  6. The leaves of the plant are long and narrow, resembling those of a leek.

  7. The bulbs of Allium moly are small and produce numerous offsets.

  8. The plant is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C.

  9. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

  10. Allium moly is easy to grow and can be propagated by division of the bulbs or by seed.

  11. The plant has ornamental value and is often used for naturalizing in meadows.

  12. Allium moly is attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a good plant for pollinator gardens.

  13. The plant has medicinal properties and has been used to treat respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and hypertension.

  14. The bulbs of Allium moly contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and sulfur compounds.

  15. The plant has culinary uses and can be used as a substitute for garlic or onion in recipes.

  16. The leaves of Allium moly are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

  17. Allium moly is used in the cosmetic industry as it is believed to have skin-rejuvenating properties.

  18. The plant has been found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

  19. Allium moly is used in gardening as a natural pest control agent.

  20. The plant produces a compound called allyl sulfide, which is toxic to some garden pests, including slugs and snails.

Allium moly is a versatile plant that is easy to grow and has ornamental, culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and produces golden-yellow flowers in the summer. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun and can be propagated by division of the bulbs or by seed. Allium moly has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and modern research has confirmed some of its medicinal properties. The plant has also been found to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for use in modern medicine.