Photo: emoyer.com

Photo: hgic.clemson.edu

Photo: greenviewfertilizer.com

Photo: walterreeves.com

Wild Onion

Identification

Common Name: Wild Onion, Wild Garlic

Latin Name: Allium canadense (wild onion), Allium vineale (wild garlic)

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Type: Broadleaf (bulbous)

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What Is It?

Wild onion is a perennial, bulb-forming weed with hollow, waxy leaves that grow upright from underground bulbs. When crushed, the leaves have a strong onion or garlic odor. It spreads by bulbs and bulblets, making it persistent in lawns, pastures, and unmanaged turf.

This is a perennial weed. Pre-emergent herbicides do not control existing perennial weeds.

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Soil Temperature & Germination

Wild onion growth begins during cool soil conditions.

• Below 55°F: Active growth begins

• Cool seasons: Continued growth and spread

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Decision Question

Is the wild onion visible above the soil right now?

YES, It is already established

➡ Go to: Post-Emergent Herbicide BMP

NO, It has not emerged

➡ Go to: Pre-Emergent Herbicide BMP
(Pre-emergent may reduce new seedlings but will not control established bulbs.)

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Why This Weed Comes Back

• Underground bulbs and bulblets

• Missed fall or winter control

• Thin or stressed turf

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Learn the Basics

➡ Link: Lawn Care 101 BMP