About This Plant
An edible woodland plant, wild leeks or ramps could be considered a spring ephemeral, as it sprouts in early spring, when its green leaves can absorb sunlight, before leaf out supplies deeper shade as it flowers. It needs rich, organic, and undisturbed soil, as it doesn't do well with competition. This plant will typically grow a pair of leaves that are about 2 inches wide and 8 inches long and look similar to lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) but the two are not related and lily of the valley is poisonous. The green leaves and the white, underground bulb are edible, but careful harvesting practices must be followed to prevent over-collection. The foliage is pungent, and ramps are said to have a strong flavor reminiscent of onions and garlic.
Plant Details
Environment
Attributes
- Plant Types
- Peak Bloom Seasons
- Leaf Retentions
- Growth Rates
- Mature Plant Heights
- Maximum Plant Width
- Bloom Colors
- Bloom Times
- Additional Features
Benefits
- Wildlife Benefits
Plant Facts
Wild leeks, or “ramps” are covetted in the foraging world, and their natural growing sites are often kept secret to keep other foragers from finding them and over harvesting.
Alternate Names
Ramson, Spring Onion, Ramps
