Allium paradoxum is a herbaceous perennial growing from a small solitary bulb to about 20–40 cm (7.9–15.7 in) in height.

[8] It is generally a lowland plant, and the highest record for Britain comes from Carter Bar at 375 m (1,230 ft).

In England and Wales, the species is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act[10] and as such, it is illegal to plant in the wild.

[11] It grows well in deciduous woodland habitats, forming a green carpet that can smother other native species such as bluebells and snowdrops.

[11][12] It also grows in a variety of habitats including river banks, rough pasture, field edges, roadsides and wasteground.