Wild Garlic | Allium ursinum

Description

Botanical Information: Wild Garlic

Wild garlic is a herbaceous perennial plant with bright green leaves which can grow up to 25cm long. From April to June, it can be seen sporting an umbel inflorescence (that means big pretty white flower) of 6 to 20 star-like flowers.

Habitat

Most commonly, it is found in deciduous woodlands with moist soils, but it can also be found in scrub, hedgerows and coastal cliffs. It prefers rich, loamy, mildly acidic to calcareous soils. It loves moist soil and dappled sunlight, where it can create aromatic carpets of lush green leaves.

Benefits to Wildlife

Flowering in early spring, wild garlic is an important plant for early emerging pollinator species. For the ramsons hoverfly (Portevinia maculata), wild garlic is the primary larval host plant. So if you are concerned about the plight of the ramsons hoverfly, this plant is a must for any woodland space. I know I am.

Conservation Status in the UK

It is widespread and fairly common throughout the UK, but it is becoming increasingly scarce in Scotland.

Ease of Growing

To grow your own wild garlic, first, choose a shaded spot with moist soil. Next, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Once this delicious plant has established, you can begin harvesting to enjoy it in the kitchen! 

More Information

Countryfile

Woodland Trust

Species From the Same Habitat

Red Deadnettle | Lamium purpureum

Wild Basil | Clinopodium vulgare

Wild Carrot | Daucus carota

All Wildflowers