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Wild garlic

In April and May, our ancient woodlands are awash with the white, starry flowers and smell of wild garlic. Millions of bulbs can exist in just one wood, giving rise to dazzling 'white carpets'.

Scientific name

Allium ursinum

When to see

April to May

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 35cm

Conservation status

Common.

About

Wild garlic spends most of the year as a bulb underground in ancient woodland, only emerging to flower and leaf from April onwards. This early flowering allows it to make the most of the sunlight that is still able to make it to the forest floor habitat, before the canopy becomes too dense. Millions of bulbs may exist in one wood, causing the white, starry carpets and strong garlic smell we so keenly associate with this flower. Wild garlic attracts the attention of plenty of pollinating insects, including hoverflies, butterflies and longhorn beetles.

How to identify

Wild garlic is an unmistakeable plant - the garlicy smell alone can be a tell-tale sign! Otherwise, look for rounded clusters of star-like, white flowers borne on straight green stems. Its leaves are grey-green, oval and narrow, and grow around the base of the stem.

Distribution

Found throughout the UK, but most common in the south.

Did you know?

Also known as ramsons, the leaves and roots of wild garlic can be eaten and do smell and taste of garlic.