Wild Garlic - Allium ursinum

Common Name :	Wild Garlic.
Binomial Name :	Allium ursinum
Family :	Amaryllidaceae
Photo Taken :	Ireland

Botanical Identity

Allium ursinum, commonly known as Wild Garlic, Ramsons, or Bear’s Garlic, is a bulbous perennial plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. Native to Europe and parts of western Asia, it thrives in damp woodlands and shaded riverbanks, often forming dense carpets of green in the spring. The species name ursinum refers to bears (ursus in Latin), as the plant is traditionally believed to be a favorite post-hibernation food of bears.

Plant Description

Wild Garlic grows to a height of 20–50 cm, emerging early in the year from underground bulbs. It features broad, lance-shaped leaves that are soft, bright green, and emit a strong garlic scent when crushed. The plant thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soils, particularly under deciduous trees, where it benefits from spring sunlight before the forest canopy thickens. It spreads both by seed and through its underground bulbs, often forming lush, green groundcover in woodland environments.

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

In late spring, Allium ursinum produces delicate, star-shaped white flowers arranged in loose, spherical clusters called umbels. Each flower has six narrow petals and stands above the foliage on a slender stalk. The blossoms are mildly fragrant and attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant develops small, round capsules containing shiny black seeds, which contribute to its spread in suitable habitats.

Uses and Culinary Value

Wild garlic has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. Its leaves are edible and highly aromatic, with a flavor milder than cultivated garlic. They are commonly used in soups, pestos, salads, and savory pastries. The bulbs and flowers are also edible, though the leaves are preferred for harvesting. Medicinally, it has been used to support digestion, lower blood pressure, and cleanse the body. Today, Wild Garlic remains popular among foragers and herbalists, offering both culinary delight and natural remedy.


Photos of this Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum) were taken from the following locations:
1) May 2019: Glencree Valley, Wicklow, Ireland.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com