Wild garlic

Allium ursinum, commonly known as wild garlic or ramsons, is a spring-emerging perennial native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is easily recognized by its broad, soft green leaves and its star-shaped white flower clusters that appear in moist woodlands. The plant’s strong garlic scent, released when leaves are crushed, sets it apart from similar woodland species and prevents confusion with toxic look-alikes. Culturally, wild garlic has long been gathered as a spring tonic, valued for its fresh flavour and association with renewal after winter. Ecologically, its early foliage forms dense carpets that suppress competing plants while offering nectar to early pollinators.