Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
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Wild Onion and Wild Garlic:
Identification and Control

Mark Czarnota, Ph.D., Ornamental Weed Control Specialist
Department of Horticulture, 1109 Experiment Street
Griffin, GA 30223

In early fall many gardeners and landscapers begin to notice wild garlic and wild onion emerging in their garden and lawn (Figure 1).

Both wild garlic (Allium vineale, Figures 1 and 2) and wild onion (Allium canadense) are closely related and difficult to distinguish from one another. Both plants are in the liliaceae plant family and are closely related to ornamentals such as daylilies and Liriope. This family has many unique characteristics which make the use of selective herbicides possible. Wild garlic was introduced from Europe, while wild onion is native to North America. Both plants are edible but have a pronounced onion/garlic flavor. Flowers are produced at the end of a specialized leaf called a scape. Once pollinated, the flowers produce seed. However, wild garlic flowers can produce bulblets (mini-plants) instead of seed. These are usually seen on the plant in mid-winter. Seeds or bulblets, shatter and fall to the ground producing new plants.

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Figure 1. Wild garlic foliage.		Figure 2. Wild garlic bulbs. Bulbs on the left still have the thin papery covering -- this covering is not reticulated (net-like) like that of wild onion. The bulbs on the right have had the papery covering removed.

Wild garlic appears to be much more invasive than wild onion, in agronomic crops, landscapes and turfgrasses.

Here are some characteristics that can be used to distinguish wild onion from wild garlic:

Wild Onion Characteristics:

• Bulb has reticulated (net like) membrane or covering.
• Leaves occur from the base of the plant, and tend to be flat (not hollow).

Wild Garlic Characteristics:

• Leaves are hollow, and tend to be formed higher on the stem (not where stem comes out of the ground).
• Distinct garlic odor.

Control:

The plants are difficult to remove by hand and generally break off at the soil surface. Furthermore, garlic produces many underground bulblets that are difficult to remove when the plant is dug. A thick layer of mulch can help prevent the emergence of these plants in the garden. If you resort to herbicides, there are a few good options. Two non-selective postemergent herbicides that can be used are glyphosate (Roundup® and others) and glufosinate (Finale®). These herbicides can be used as a post-directed spray, making sure you keep spray off of desirable plants. Selective herbicides for turfgrass include metsulfuron methyl (Manor®), imazaquin (Image®), imazapic (Plateau®), and 2,4-D (Various names). These herbicides can be used safely over-the-top on most turfgrasses. All of these herbicides appear to control both wild onion and wild garlic. Be certain you read and understand the herbicide labels before applying any chemical.

Attention!

Pesticide Precautions

• It is the responsibility of the pesticide user to observe all directions, restrictions and precautions on pesticide labels. It is dangerous, wasteful and illegal to do otherwise.
• Store all pesticides in original containers with labels intact and behind locked doors. KEEP PESTICIDES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Use pesticides at correct label dosage and intervals to avoid illegal residues or injury to plants and animals.
• Use pesticides carefully to avoid drift or contamination of non-target areas.
• Surplus pesticides and containers should be disposed of in accordance with label instructions so contamination of water and other hazards will not result.
• Follow directions on the pesticide label regarding restrictions as required by State or Federal Laws and Regulations.
• Avoid any action that may threaten an endangered species or its habitat. Your county extension agent can inform you of endangered species in your area, help you identify them and, through the Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office, identify actions that may threaten endangered species or that habitat.

Trade and brand names are used only for information. The Cooperative Extension Service, University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences does not guarantee nor warrant published standards on any product mentioned; neither does the use of a trade or brand name imply approval of any product to the exclusion of others which may also be suitable.

Circular 867-3/May, 2004

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Gale A. Buchanan, Dean and Director