Description
Native to Britain, very hardy Wild Garlic is a bulbous plant that is known as many different names such as Bear leek, Bears garlic, Ramson and Buckrams. Forming clusters of Flowers from mid Spring, wild garlic can grow up to heights between 35 and 50cm tall. From as early as February they can show growth through to early June. By late June they slowly die back, to return the following season. Wild Garlic bulbs are commonly widespread across the UK - its formed in dense clumps upon ancient woodland floors. Wild garlic is always a sign that the woodland is very old! It favours chalky soils and can also be spotted in scrub and hedgerows, but prefers damp areas. The ramson is not to be confused with the lily-of-the-valley when not in flower - this can be distinguished through only having only two or three leaves on its stem and also through its more bell-shaped flowers. To say its important to know the difference would be an understatement, as the lilies are poisonous to eat. The leaves are long and oval in shape, growing from the plant base. Of course, they also carry a very strong garlic scent! The flowers are small and white with around six petals on a single thin and leafless stalk. Wild garlic reproduces through bulbs, bulbils and seeds - the seeds are 23mm long, flattish on one side and black. Wild garlic will grow almost anywhere, it also offers a clump forming habit.
