Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)

What is wild garlic?

Also known as ramsons, or bear’s garlic, wild garlic (Allium ursinum L.) is a bulbous herbaceous perennial belonging to the  Amaryllidaceae family. Native to the Europe and Asia, wild garlic has a long history of medicinal and dietary use. Its native habitat is moist, shaded areas such as woodlands and forests. In mid-spring, wild garlic carpets the ground with its broad, green leaves and star-shaped white flowers. The entire plant emits a pungent, garlic-like aroma, hence its common name.

I grew up in North Yorkshire, England and visit family every few years. Nothing reminds me more of my homeland than the sight and smell of wild garlic and English bluebells. During May, the woodlands are carpeted with both of these native beauties. In fact, bluebells and wild garlic are key indicators that a woodland is ancient.

The botanical name Allium ursinium his of Latin origin. “Allium” is the genus to which wild garlic, along with onions, leeks, and many other similar plants, belongs.  Allium is Latin for garlic. The species name ursinium, comes from the Latin word ursus, which means bear and is believed to be due to the observation that bears would eat the plant after coming out of hibernation in spring. So, Allium ursinium is roughly translated to bear’s garlic.

Is wild garlic safe to eat?

Wild garlic contains vitamins A and C, calcium, phosphorous and iron. The leaves, flowers and bulbs of wild garlic are all edible and have a mild-garlic taste. Wild garlic has also been used in traditional medicine and has a number of potential therapeutic effects.

Compounds similar to those found in conventional garlic (Allium sativum) are present in wild garlic which may enhance the effects of blood-thinning and anticoagulant medications. These compounds include allicin, adenosine and ajoene which may inhibit platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation is the process by which platelets adhere to each other to form clots. People taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin should seek the advice of their doctor before consuming wild garlic.

Is wild garlic the same as garlic?

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) and garlic (Allium sativum) are different species of plant. However, they both belong to the same family. Garlic is widely grown commercially and the bulb of the plant is most commonly consumed. Wild garlic generally isn’t grown on a commercial scale, and the leaves are typically used.

	Wild garlic (Allium ursinum)	Cultivated garlic (Allium sativum)
Physical characteristics	Broad, flat, elliptical leaves, white star-shaped flowers, and small, elongated bulbs.	Central stalk with long, flat leaves growing from a large, round bulb, made up of multiple cloves.
Growth habits	Woodland perennial growing in shady, damp environments. Often carpets the ground in the spring.	Typically grown as an annual in sunny, well-drained garden beds or fields.
Flavour	Mild, sweet garlic flavour.	Strong, pungent garlic flavour.
Culinary uses	Leaves are used in salads, pestos, and soups. Flowers are used as a garnish.	Cloves are used in a wide variety of dishes. Can be used raw, sautéed, roasted, or even fermented (as in black garlic). Scapes are used in stir-fries and pestos.

Description

Wild garlic grows from a bulb and forms dense clumps of leaf rosettes and later on, star-shaped, white flowers in woodland habitats. The leaves appear in late winter followed by white, star-shaped flowers. The plant reaches a height of 30 cm.

Leaves:

The leaves are broad, long, and elliptical, and can grow up to 25 cm long. They have a vibrant green colour, are shiny on the upper side and matt on the underside. The leaves grow in basal rosettes from the bulb, and are tender to touch. When bruised, they emit a mild garlic-like scent.

Flowers:

Wild garlic produces flowers in late spring. Each plant forms a solitary stem that rises above the leaves on a single stem in a pherical cluster known as an umbel. The umbel contains several flowers, each with six white petals forming a star-shape.

The flowers have both male and female reproductive organs  (hermaphrodite), and are pollinated by bees and other insects. Following pollination, a three-sided pod develops which eventually darkens and dries out as it matures.

Bulbs:

The bulbs are small, white, round or slightly elongated and are encased in a thin, papery covering known as a tunic. Bulbs are modified stems that serve as storage organs for the plant. In the right conditions, these bulbs can split and multiply, a form of asexual reproduction that can result in large colonies of wild garlic.

Difference between wild garlic and lily of the valley

For people who forage, it is important to know the difference between lily of the valley and wild garlic. Lily of the valley produces similar strap-like leaves in spring but is highly toxic. The toxic property is convallarin, a cardiac glycoside.

Both plants can be found growing in a similar woodland habitat, and their leaves are similar. The presence or absence of a garlic-like smell when the leaf is crushed is the most prominent feature. Only wild garlic emits this scent.

Feature	Wild Garlic	Lily of the Valley
Family	Amaryllidaceae	Asparagaceae
Native To	Europe and Asia	Northern Hemisphere
Leaves	Broad, flat, elongated leaves growing from the base	Elliptical to lanceolate leaves growing from a single stem
Scent	Distinctive garlic scent, especially when crushed	No garlic scent, flowers are sweetly fragrant
Flowers	Star-shaped, white flowers in a round umbel (cluster)	Tiny, bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers hanging down in a raceme
Flowering time	Late spring (Apr-June in the Northern Hemisphere)	Late spring (May-June in the Northern Hemisphere)
Fruit/Seed	Forms a green seed pod with black seeds	Forms a red or orange berry
Edibility	The entire plant is edible and commonly used as a food source	The entire plant is poisonous

Sowing wild garlic seeds

Wild garlic seeds can be purchased from a reputable nursery or online.

When to sow: The seeds should be sown in autumn (fall), to reflect the plant’s natural lifecycle. Autumn sowing allows the seeds to go through a chilling period called ‘cold stratification’ which is crucial for the seeds to break dormancy and germinate. If you are unable to sow in autumn, you can artificially stratify the seeds in a refrigerator for a month.

It is important to remember that it can become quite prolific and may crowd out other plants. In a garden setting, consider containing it within or growing it in pots to control its spread.

Waiting for germination: patience is required

The key to successful germination is patience and consistent care. Some seeds germinate quickly, while others take much longer, even under the same conditions. Wild garlic seeds can remain dormant for 1-2 years. This extended period of dormancy is a natural survival strategy that helps the plant survive unfavourable conditions.

Breaking dormancy starts with stratification, a period of cold, moist conditions that can be facilitated by sowing the seeds in autumn, and allowing winter to provide the necessary cold period. However, even with stratification, seeds may take a considerable amount of time before they germinate.

This long wait can test even the most patient gardener and it is tempting to give up. But, it is crucial to maintain consistent care and keep the soil moist at all times. Even though you can’t see any activity above ground, there is a lot happening beneath the surface.

Once the seeds have germinated, protect them from harsh weather and pests. It will take another few years for the seedings to reach maturity and produce flowers.

It is also important to remember that wild garlic is a perennial, once it establishes, it will return year after year and reward you with a long-lasting, low-maintenance plant.

Life cycle

Wild garlic is a perennial plant which means it lives for several years. In winter, wild garlic lies dormant in its below-ground bulb. The bulb is a storage organ that allows plants to store nutrients and energy during the unfavourable conditions of winter. As temperatures rise and the days become longer, wild garlic begins to sprout, sending up broad, shiny green leaves which carpet the ground in areas where it grows densely.

The leaves are followed by a single, spherical umbel (cluster) of small, white, star-shaped flowers on a solitary stem. After flowering, the plant produces green seed pods which contain the seeds. At maturity in early summer, the pods open to release their seeds, which fall to the ground and germinate the following year. After flowering and seed production, the leaves die back in mid-summer, and the plant goes into a state of summer dormancy. As the leaves die back, they provide energy, which is stored in the bulb for the next growing season. Wild garlic remains dormant during late summer, autumn and winter.

This cycle repeats each year, with wild garlic plants potentially spreading further if conditions are favourable. Over time, the original bulb produces new bulbs, known as offsets or daughter bulbs. These form alongside the original bulb, growing from the base of the mother bulb.

It takes 4-5 years for wild garlic to reach sexual maturity and an average lifespan of 8-10 years.

Care and maintenance of wild garlic

Climate	Cold, temperate, sub-tropical
Soil	Light to medium, organically-rich, damp, but well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.8-6.8. Prepare the garden by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve the nutrient content and structure.
Sowing depth and spacing	Sow at a depth of 4 mm and 10 cm (4 inches) apart. This will allow each plant enough space without competition for water and nutrients.
When to sow	Autumn/early winter (cold stratification required if sown outside this period)
Germination time	2-3 weeks for older seeds to 1 year for young seeds
Location	Wild garlic naturally grows in woodlands and prefers locations with partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some sunlight, avoid direct sunlight.
Moisture levels	Wild garlic tends to grow in areas of consistent moisture. Choose a location that isn’t prone to drying out, however, the soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Leaf colour	Green
Flower colour	White
Height	30 cm
Toxicity	Toxic to pets in large amounts
Temperature ranges	-28 to 32°C (-18 to 90°F)
Fertilising	Typically doesn’t require much fertilization, particularly if it’s planted in rich, well-composted soil
Companion plants	Wild garlic grows well well with other woodland and shade-loving plants such as bluebells, ferns, Solomon’s seal, wood anemone and hosta.

Pests and diseases

Pests:

• Slugs and snails: These can sometimes be a problem, especially in wet and humid conditions. Handpick them off the plants, use slug traps (beer in a cup works well), or consider using an environmentally-friendly slug repellent. Always be careful using snail and slug treatments around pets and children.
• Onion fly: Onion flies (Delia antiqua) are known to affect members of the Allium family. The female lays her eggs at the base of the plant, and the emerging larvae then burrow into the bulb, causing damage.

Diseases:

• White rot:  White rot is a fungal disease caused by Sclerotium cepivorum that affects the Allium family. Symptoms of white rot include yellowing, wilting and dieback of the leaves. Leaf decay begins at the base of the outer leaves, causing the leaf to collapse. Once a plant is infected, it cannot be cured and should be removed to prevent the spread.
• Downy mildew: A fungal disease caused by Peronospora sparsa that can occasionally affect wild garlic, causing discoloured patches on leaves. Management includes improving air circulation around plants and avoiding wetting leaves when watering. Fungicides can be used if the problem persists.

Maintaining good garden hygiene, ensuring adequate space for air circulation and regularly checking plants for signs of pests or disease can help to reduce pests and diseases. Be careful to not overwater your wild onion as this can contribute to fungal diseases. Always remove affected plants and do not compost.

When to harvest wild garlic

Wild garlic grows from early spring until mid-summer, at which point the leaves die back. Leaves are at their most tender before the flowers bloom. The flowers are also edible, with a milder and sweeter flavour. They can be used in salads or dried to make a flavoured salt.

Never pick more than you need and do not remove more than a third of the leaves from each plant. The leaves can be carefully cut off with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife. Harvest the leaf from its base where it connects to the stem, not from the middle or the tip. Place the leaves in a basket or a breathable bag. Avoid stuffing them into a tight space which could cause pressure and result in bruising. Do not pull on the plant as you may displace the bulb and kill the plant.

Wild garlic leaves are delicate and best used soon after picking. The longer they are stored, the more likely they are to bruise or wilt.

Storing wild garlic

Store in leaves the salad crisper in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flowers are best consumed on the same day.

Is it illegal to take wild garlic?

In the United Kingdom, it is legal to forage for wild garlic, however, it is illegal to dig up the bulb, which will prevent the plant from returning the following year. Simply snip off the foliage and some (not all) leaves, and leave the bulb intact.

It is illegal to forage on private property without the landowner’s permission, no matter what you are collecting.

Even where it is legal to forage, it is important to do so responsibly to protect the environment and ensure that the plants can continue to grow in the future. Do not take more than you need and be careful not to damage the plant or its habitat.

It is a good idea to check the specific regulations in your area or consult with a local naturalist or foraging group before foraging.

Wild garlic recipes

Wild garlic soup

Ingredients: 100g wild garlic leaves 1 medium onion (approximately 150g), diced 1 medium potato (approximately 200g), diced 1 litre vegetable stock Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon of olive oil 100ml cream Instructions: Add olive oil to a pan and saute onion and garlic until translucent Add the potato and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potato is soft. Add the wild garlic leaves and simmer for another 2 minutes. Blend the soup with a hand blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cream and heat gently. Serve hot.

Wild garlic pesto

Ingredients: 80g wild garlic leaves 50g Parmesan cheese, grated 50g pine nuts 150ml olive oil Salt to taste Instructions: Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry pan, then leave to cool. Combine the wild garlic leaves, Parmesan cheese, and cooled pine nuts in a food processor and blend until finely chopped. Slowly add the olive oil while the processor is running until you have a thick paste. Season with salt.

Wild garlic and goat cheese tart

Ingredients: 200g wild garlic leaves 1 pre-made pastry crust (around 320g) 200g soft goat cheese 3 eggs 200ml cream Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Blanch the wild garlic leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Spread the pastry crust into a tart dish. Arrange the blanched wild garlic leaves on top, then crumble over the goat cheese. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the wild garlic and goat cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and golden.

Wild garlic hummus

Ingredients: 1 can of chickpeas (approximately 400g), drained and rinsed 50g wild garlic leaves 2 tablespoons tahini Juice of 1 lemon 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt to taste Instructions: Blend chickpeas, wild garlic leaves, tahini and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the hummus is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and serve with pita bread or vegetable sticks.

Wild garlic and potato gratin

Ingredients: 1kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 200g wild garlic leaves 500ml cream 100g grated cheese Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Blanch the wild garlic leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Layer the potatoes and wild garlic leaves in a baking dish. Season each layer with salt and pepper. Pour over the cream, ensuring that it covers the potatoes. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

Wild garlic risotto

Ingredients: 300g Arborio rice 1 litre vegetable stock 1 medium onion (approximately 150g), diced 2 tablespoons olive oil 100g wild garlic leaves 100g Parmesan cheese, grated Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and stir until the grains are coated in the oil. Add a ladleful of vegetable stock to the pan and stir until it’s absorbed. Continue adding stock, one ladle at a time, until the rice is cooked. This should take about 18-20 minutes. Chop the wild garlic leaves and stir them into the risotto, along with the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Wild garlic and mushroom pasta

Ingredients: 300g pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 200g mushrooms, sliced 100g wild garlic leaves Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese, to serve Instructions: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the mushrooms until golden. Chop the wild garlic leaves and add them to the pan, cooking until they wilt. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the mushrooms and wild garlic, tossing to combine. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper and serve with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese