Elephant garlic (allium ampeloprasum var. ampeloprasum), despite its name, is not actually a true garlic. Instead, it is a close relative of the leek and belongs to the same botanical family as garlic, onions and leeks. Elephant garlic is sometimes referred to as a 'wild leek or 'great headed garlic' due to its large bulb and mild garlic-like flavor. Elephant garlic is popular for its ability to grow as large as a softball. Its individual cloves are much larger than a typical garlic clove and is its most distinctive feature. Its flavor is sweet and mild, closer to that of a leek or scallion. There generally are fewer but larger cloves within each bulb. The scapes (stalks) are edible and do not produce a flower. Elephant garlic does well in northern regions of the country, in fact, better than some true garlic varieties. Popular choice for those that seek a milder garlic flavor.