Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - April 06, 2013
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Edible Plants, Poisonous Plants
Title: Identity of plant that looks like green onions
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have what looks like green onions growing in my lawn. They have small white flowers. Are they edible?ANSWER:
There are several possibilities for this plant:
There are 3 varieties of Allium canadense (Meadow garlic) that occur in Travis County.
The other onion-like native plants occurring in Travis County are:
Allium drummondii (Drummond's onion)
All of the species of Allium occurring in Travis County are edible. Here is an article, Wild Onion, from Texas Beyond History that gives the historical uses by native peoples in Texas.
Nothoscordum bivalve (Crow poison) looks very much like the Allium species. However, you can tell them apart by smelling them. The Allium species smell like onions or garlic—the crow poison smells musky. Also, crow poison has cream-colored flowers and the Allium has white, pink or lavender colored flowers. Is crow poison really a toxic plant? We don't know for sure. For more information about the toxicity of crow poison, please read the answer to that question from a couple of year's ago. Given the uncertainty about whether or not it is toxic, I recommend that you NOT eat it.
Zigadenus nuttallii (Death camas), however, is definitely considered poisonous. DO NOT EAT ANY PART OF IT! Here are links to a couple of toxic plant databases with more information:
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina says that Zigadenus spp. are "highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten!"
From the Image Gallery
More Edible Plants Questions
Identification of strange dark green blobs
February 03, 2012 - In my back yard I have a type of plant with no roots only around in the summer and when it rains. It looks like a person took a piece lettuce and put way too much water into it and wadded it up. It ...
view the full question and answer
Jelly made from local plums from Amarillo TX
July 29, 2011 - On Wednesday, August 5, 2009 you answered a question on native plants in the Austin area in which you wrote:"Two kinds of local plums have also been used to make jellies: Mexican Plum (Prunus mexican...
view the full question and answer
Garden crop to plant in July in Austin
July 16, 2010 - I've just been given access to a plot at Sunshine Gardens and must plant something within 30 days. What would be a good planting crop for the middle of July that would be successful for harvesting i...
view the full question and answer
Help with control of small, invasive groundcover
April 16, 2012 - I have a very invasive ground cover creeping into my yard. I've tried to identify it and it's similar to creeping charlie or garlic mustard. Leaves are triangular with jagged edges, small purple f...
view the full question and answer
Controlling Cnidoscolus texanus (Texas bullnettle)
July 18, 2013 - Hello,I need your help to control some nasty weeds in my yard/pasture. I am an old timer and do not have a picture to include—haven't figured out that part of the camera/phone yet. This weed is a pri...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |