What Is Another Name for Allium, the Genus of Onions and Garlic?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

The genus Allium is one of the largest plant genera in the world, containing over 1,000 accepted species. Another common name for Allium is the “onion family,” which includes a wide variety of pungent, bulb-forming plants cherished for both culinary and ornamental purposes.

Quick Summary

The genus Allium is widely known as the onion family, encompassing many familiar culinary plants like onions, garlic, and chives, as well as decorative ornamental onions prized by gardeners. Its diverse species are known for their distinct sulfurous aroma when crushed and are cultivated globally for food and aesthetics.

Key Points

Onion Family: The most common alternative name for the Allium genus is the onion family, which reflects its most famous members.
Culinary Alliums: Many species are beloved kitchen staples, including garlic, leeks, chives, and onions, all known for their pungent sulfur compounds.
Ornamental Alliums: A large number of species are grown for their attractive, globe-shaped flowers and are often called ornamental onions.
Diverse Species: The genus contains over 1,000 different species, displaying a huge variety in appearance, from giant purple spheres to delicate white blooms.
Rich History: Alliums have been cultivated for thousands of years for both food and medicine across many ancient civilizations.
Versatile Use: Whether edible or decorative, alliums are prized for their versatility and easy growth, thriving in well-drained soil and sun.

The genus Allium is a remarkably diverse and widespread group of monocotyledonous flowering plants. While the scientific name Allium is used in botanical and horticultural contexts, the common name that encompasses all its species is the onion family. This family includes a wide range of familiar and lesser-known plants, from the pungent staples of the kitchen to stunning, globe-like flowering bulbs that add architectural interest to gardens. Understanding the various common names is key to appreciating the full scope of this fascinating genus.

The Culinary Side of the Allium Genus

For many, the first association with Allium is in the kitchen. Many species in this genus are fundamental ingredients in cuisines worldwide, celebrated for their sharp, aromatic flavors that develop from organosulfur compounds when the plant tissue is damaged. Each species brings a unique flavor profile to dishes.

Common Edible Alliums

Here is a list of some of the most prominent edible members of the onion family:

Onion (Allium cepa): The most widely cultivated species in the genus, also known as the bulb onion.
Garlic (Allium sativum): Famous for its strong, pungent flavor and traditional medicinal uses, it is a key ingredient globally.
Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum): A long, cylindrical vegetable with a milder, sweeter flavor than onions, commonly used in soups and stews.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): A perennial herb with grass-like leaves and a delicate onion flavor, often used fresh as a garnish.
Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum): Smaller than an onion, with a delicate, mild flavor that is highly prized in French cuisine.
Scallion / Green Onion (Allium fistulosum): These are harvested before a large bulb can form, used for both their white base and green tops.
Ramps / Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum): A wild species native to North America, known for its strong garlic-like flavor.

The Decorative World of Ornamental Onions

Beyond their culinary uses, many members of the Allium genus are cultivated for their striking floral displays. These are commonly referred to as ornamental onions. Gardeners prize them for their showy, spherical clusters of flowers, or umbels, that come in various sizes and vibrant colors, including purple, pink, white, and blue.

Popular Ornamental Alliums

'Globemaster' (Allium giganteum): Known for its massive, deep purple flower heads, this hybrid is a true garden showstopper.
Star of Persia (Allium cristophii): A stunning species with huge, delicate, star-shaped lilac-purple flowers that make excellent dried arrangements.
Drumstick Allium (Allium sphaerocephalon): This variety produces smaller, reddish-purple, egg-shaped flower heads that mature over time.
Pink Lily Leek (Allium oreophilum): A smaller variety with cheerful, magenta florets, perfect for rock gardens.

Culinary Allium vs. Ornamental Allium

While both types belong to the same genus, their uses and characteristics differ significantly. The following table highlights some key differences.


Feature	Culinary Alliums	Ornamental Alliums
Primary Use	Flavoring agent, vegetable, or herb in cooking	Decorative element in gardens and floral arrangements
Scent & Flavor	Strong and pungent, especially when crushed	Strong, onion-like scent when foliage or stems are broken, but not intended for culinary use
Key Parts Used	Bulbs, leaves, and stems	Flower heads and architectural seed pods
Visual Appeal	Often simple green stalks and edible bulbs	Diverse and dramatic flower displays, often spherical
Cultivation Focus	Bulb or leaf production for food	Flower size, color, and stem height for visual impact
Edibility	Edible species are safe for human consumption	Some ornamental species can be toxic to pets, and are not generally eaten

The Versatility and History of the Allium Genus

The historical significance of Allium species is profound, with records of cultivation and use dating back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, from the Egyptians to the Romans and Chinese, used various alliums for food, medicine, and even currency. Ancient Egyptians viewed the onion's concentric rings as a symbol of eternal life and used them in burials. The therapeutic properties of alliums, particularly garlic and onions, have also been recognized for centuries, with various texts detailing their use to treat a wide array of ailments.

From a scientific perspective, the study of Allium continues to yield surprises. Genetic research has revealed complex evolutionary pathways and unique genetic characteristics, such as the unusually large genome size of garlic. This ongoing research helps botanists and breeders develop new varieties and better understand the health-enhancing properties of these versatile plants.

Conclusion

In summary, another name for Allium is the onion family, and this expansive genus encompasses a world of plant life, from everyday kitchen staples like onions and garlic to visually stunning ornamental flowers. The double life of Allium as both a culinary and decorative plant makes it one of the most versatile and historically significant genera known to humans. Whether you are adding flavor to a dish with a pungent garlic clove or adding a splash of color to your garden with a tall 'Globemaster' allium, you are interacting with a rich and diverse botanical family.

Frequently Asked Questions

The common name for the Allium genus is the onion family, which includes many popular edible plants like onions, garlic, leeks, and chives.

Many ornamental allium species are commonly referred to as ornamental onions due to their striking, globe-like flowers, but 'ornamental onion' is not the only common name for the genus itself.

Not all alliums are edible. While many are culinary staples, others are grown purely for their decorative flowers. Some ornamental alliums can be toxic to pets, so it's important to know the specific species before consumption.

The pungent, characteristic aroma of alliums is caused by organosulfur compounds, which are released when the plant's tissues are cut, crushed, or bruised.

Allium species are widespread and native primarily to the Northern Hemisphere, with natural populations found across Eurasia and North America.

Yes, both edible and ornamental alliums are relatively easy to grow. They prefer sunny locations with well-drained soil and are generally hardy in many climates.

Yes, many common garden pests, as well as deer and rabbits, tend to avoid alliums due to their strong onion or garlic scent, making them a great companion plant.