Snowdrops and snowflakes
Galanthus and Leucojum have round stems and no onion smell; both are toxic.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Three-cornered leek.
Allium triquetrum
Also found as Three-cornered garlic · Onion weed
A spring allium with three-angled flower stems and drooping white bell flowers striped with green.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Smell every plant. Snowdrops and snowflakes have similar white bells but no onion smell and are toxic.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 17,145
- People who recorded it
- 9,293
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Mar–Apr
- Records span
- 1968–2026
| January | 150 |
|---|---|
| February | 586 |
| March | 2980 |
| April | 6335 |
| May | 2268 |
| June | 108 |
| July | 5 |
| August | 7 |
| September | 12 |
| October | 20 |
| November | 39 |
| December | 91 |
| January | 8 |
|---|---|
| February | 2 |
| March | 9 |
| April | 114 |
| May | 94 |
| June | 97 |
| July | 203 |
| August | 652 |
| September | 1831 |
| October | 1315 |
| November | 206 |
| December | 13 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Flower stems sharply triangular in cross-section.
- 02
Nodding white bell-shaped flowers with a green stripe on each petal.
- 03
Keeled, strap-like leaves that smell of mild onion or garlic.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Wild garlic
Extra care neededWild garlic has broad leaves and star-shaped flowers.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to the western Mediterranean; widely naturalized and invasive in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and California.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves from autumn to spring; flowers in spring.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf · Flower · Bulb
Use leaves, flowers and small bulbs raw or cooked like spring onions.
Care for the patch
Where it is invasive, harvesting whole plants helps native flora; do not spread bulbs.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Allium triquetrumBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Allium triquetrumTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction