As with other members of the genus, the strong onion or garlic odor is the most readily identifiable feature. In this species all or most of the flowers are replaced by aerial bulbs. The below ground bulbs also produce offset bulblets. These two features cause the plant to be readily spread by cultivation equipment. Contamination by the small, kernel-sized aerial bulbs can greatly decrease the value of harvested grain. Misspelled Allium vinale in Weeds of the Northern US and Canada (Montgomery).