False Garlic (Nothoscordum gracile)

False Garlic

Nothoscordum gracile

Delicate star-shaped blooms cluster like tiny white constellations. Bulbous perennial herb; common names: False Garlic, Onion Weed.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dappled light in hot summer climates to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot in poorly drained soil
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Temperature Hardy to light frosts down to 5°C; optimal growth temperature ranges from 15–25°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Linear, grass-like, bright green basal foliage, up to 40 cm long
  • Flower: Umbel clusters of star-shaped white blooms with greenish-yellow centers
  • Bulb: Small ovoid bulbs covered in papery brown tunics
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; reduce watering if natural rainfall is sufficient

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once monthly. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle 1 teaspoon per clump and work lightly into the top 1 cm of soil to avoid pest attraction
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower heads to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed garden spaces
  • Trim yellowed basal foliage after flowering to maintain a tidy clump appearance
  • Divide overcrowded bulb clusters every 2–3 years in autumn to promote healthy growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects from ingestion

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; foliage has mild onion-like scent but is non-toxic

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental wildflower; sometimes classified as an invasive weed in cultivated lawns or garden beds