It is widespread across central and southern Europe, with some populations in Asiatic Turkey.

It is cultivated in many places as an ornamental and also for its potently aromatic bulbs used as a food flavoring.

[5] Numerous botanical names have been coined within the species at the varietal level, but only two are recognized:[6] Allium carinatum produces a single small bulb rarely more than 15 mm long, flat leaves, and an umbel up to 60 cm tall of purple to reddish-purple flowers.

[7][8] Allium carinatum is considered native to the Mediterranean Region from Spain to Turkey, north to Sweden and the Baltic Republics.

pulchellum f. album[10] have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.