Mystery plant - ID needed

Fourwings · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 12:48 PM

Can anyone help me to ID this plant that my wife found growing very happily at the back of our house.
It is about 18 inches tall and has grass-like leaves.
It was certainly not there last year and as our garden is totally devoted to wildlife & wild plants we wondered if it is either a new wild species for our garden or if it is something that has germinated from birdseed or been dropped by a bird.
Two photos are attached, one of the whole plant & one of the flower head.

All ideas greatfully recieved.

Steve.

Hornbeam · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 01:07 PM

It is not a native wild flower, but one of the decorative alliums (onions). They are sold in garden centres and make striking plants opening out into a metallic purple globe. Don't throw it out - your bees and hoverflies will love it!

Paul mabbott · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 01:26 PM

Yes, a decorative leek ... they do seed fairly easily. Wouldn't worry about it - bees love them!

Fourwings · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2007, 01:30 PM

Thanks folks, I wouldn't dream of throwing it out especially if the insects are going to benefit from its presence.
I just wonder how it got there, we certainly dont grow anything like it!