Ramsons Wild Garlic

(Allium ursinum)

Description:

Tall hairless perennial plant, with erect unbranched stem; usually found growing in large colonies.  The leaves, normally 2, are upto 20cm long and are broad, pointed and long-stalked.  The flowers are white star-shaped with 6 segments.  It is readily identified by its strong scent of garlic, particularly if bruised or crushed.

The glossy green leaves of Ramsons, or Wild Garlic are delicious in sandwiches, used sparingly in salads, or added to sauces and dressings. It also makes splendid pesto.  The bulb can also be eaten raw or cooked, and can be harvested all year round, though is best used when the plant is dormant from July to December or January. It has a fairly strong garlic flavour, though it is quite small and fiddly to harvest.

Flowers - raw or cooked. These are somewhat stronger than the leaves, in small quantities they make a decorative and very tasty addition to salads. The flowering heads can still be eaten as the seed pods are forming, though the flavour gets even stronger as the seeds ripen.

"maye very well be eaten in April and Maie with butter, of such as are of a strong constitution, and labouring men"      - Gerard

Size:  50cm

Distribution:  Throughout UK

Flowering months:  April - June

Habitat:  Damp woods, hedges, shady damp meadows, streamsides.

Folk Names:  Broad-Leaved Garlic, Wild Garlic, Ramsons, Wood Garlic, Roman Garlic

Active ingredients; essential oils, vitamin C, allicin, iron. 

Used to treat digestive problems, rheumatism, high blood pressure and asthma.  When applied to the skin, this species is rubefacient. Externally, the bruised leaves may be applied to abscesses and boils.  It may help the circulation and also be antiviral. A popular cure for the kidney stone and for purifying and strengthening the blood. Alone or with other ingredients it was also used in poultices and as a diuretic.

(Photograph taken 28/04/2003 ©2003 Ryewolf)

DISCLAIMER:
Please be aware that this information is provided solely for informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to using any herbs or treatments made from herbs.