Allium moly

Allium moly L. is an attractive species from southern Europe. It is unusual among alliums in having bright yellow flowers. It is readily available in the US via the Dutch bulb trade as the form "Jeannine" which is purported to have larger umbels and flower earlier than the species. It grows best in well drained soils in a sunny location. Normally two leaves emerge from each bulb and one to two umbels of bright yellow flowers are produced in late May after which time the foliage begins to die back. It is self fertile and produces numerous black seeds which can self sow. Bulbs divide as well. Photographs by Ernie DeMarie.