Allium ursinum L.
Ramsons
Ramsons, or wild garlic, is a native bulbous perennial of damp, shady woodland, and one of the classic ancient-woodland indicator plants. Where conditions suit it, it carpets the woodland floor in spring with broad, glossy, pointed leaves that release a strong garlic scent when bruised.
About
Ramsons, or wild garlic, is a native bulbous perennial of damp, shady woodland, and one of the classic ancient-woodland indicator plants. Where conditions suit it, it carpets the woodland floor in spring with broad, glossy, pointed leaves that release a strong garlic scent when bruised. Above the foliage, leafless stalks carry rounded clusters of starry white, six-petalled flowers. It is common throughout much of Britain, favouring moist, fertile soils and often growing alongside bluebells, and can also be found in scrub and shady hedge banks.
Flowering runs from April to June, with the display usually at its best in May. As an early and generous source of nectar and pollen, it is valuable to bees, hoverflies and other emerging insects, and it is the food plant of the specialist ramsons hoverfly. All parts are edible with a mild garlic flavour. In gardens it suits naturalising under trees and in damp, dappled shade, though it spreads enthusiastically once settled.
Also known as
Wild Garlic · Wild garlic · bear garlic · buckrams · gypsy onion · hog garlic
Synonyms
Aglitheis ursina · Allium latifolium · Allium longipetiolatum · Allium nemorale · Allium petiolatum · Allium ucrainicum · Allium ursinoides · Allium ursinum latifolium · Allium ursinum ucrainicum · Allium vincetoxicum
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.