5. Allium sativum L. (garlic)

Pl. 100 b; Map 400

Bulbs 1.5–4.5 cm long, ovoid to nearly globose, the outer coat smooth and papery. Aerial stems 30–100 cm long, not inflated, erect at flowering. Leaves in the lower 1/3–1/2 of the aerial stems, 30–50 cm long, 5–15 mm wide, flat, often with a raised ridge on the underside, linear, not tapering to a petiole, the long sheaths pale green to white. Umbels with 0–15 normal flowers, some or all of the remaining flowers replaced by sessile bulblets. Flower stalks longer than the flowers. Perianth bell-shaped to nearly tubular, the sepals and petals 2–4 mm long, narrowly elliptic, the tips pointed or blunt, greenish white or pink. Fruits not produced. 2n=16. May–July.

Introduced, scattered nearly throughout Missouri (cultivated nearly worldwide, widely escaped in the U.S.). Banks of streams and rivers, pastures, roadsides, railroads, and various other disturbed areas.

Allium sativum is not known from native populations. The presumed wild relatives of garlic are species native to central and western Asia. It is an ancient cultigen, whose use dates back at least as far as ancient Egypt. Aside from its uses as a food and flavoring, garlic contains a variety of compounds that have been used medicinally.