Three-cornered Leek (Allium triquetrum) - Lily family (Lilaceae)
[Etymology: three + corner + ed + leek Middle English lek, Old English leac, compare: Dutch look, Old Norse laukr, Swedish lok, tri-cornered refers to its triangular-shaped stems].
The Three-cornered Leek is a chcerful addition to the spring garden in mild climates. It produces triangular-shaped stems in the spring which are followed by umbels (small clusters) of small drooping white green-striped bell-shaped flowers. Small dark seeds follow the flowers, which are fertilized by bees and other insects. It grows to about sixteen inches high, in partially shady to sunny areas and tolerates a variety of soils. Needs moisture in spring time (as do most all plants). Propagated by bulb and seed. Native to the western Mediterranean area. Naturalized in coastal California in North America. Cultivated as an ornamental in North America. Best cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 9-10 in North America. Some sources indicate that the bulbs and stems have been eaten and thus may be somewhate edible: caution is advised.
Other names: Threecorner Leek, Triangle Onion, Tricorner Leek. Wild Garlic, Wild Onion.
End.
Bottlebrush Press has maintained its presence on the Internet since 1996.
Return to the home page of Bottlebrush Press: The homepage of Bottlebrush Press
This web page was recently created by James Sayre.
Author's Email: sayresayre@yahoo.com
Copyright 2005 by Bottlebrush Press. All Rights Reserved.
Web page last updated on 23 April 2005.