Ramsons

Common Name: Ramsons

Latin Name: Allium ursinum

Family: Liliaceae

Ramsons are a bulbous perennial herb generally found in shady places. The plant is also known by several other names including stink bomb and wild garlic. Most synonyms refer to the characteristic smell of garlic which is emitted when the leaves are bruised. Ramsons have historically been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, with its properties used to treat problems including digestive disorders. Many other species of the genus Allium contain strong smelling and tasting essential oils. Allium species have been widely cultivated and include garlic, chives, leeks and onions.

The star shaped flower of the ramson can be found during April-June, its bright green leaves resemble those of lily-of-the-valley. Ramsons can create a dense carpet across the floor of broadleaved native woodlands in late spring, and in areas of the UK their existence within a woodland can be used to indicate that the woodland has been on the site from before 1600 AD.

A spring walk in a Dales woodland can be a smelly affair with the strong smell of garlic. Ramsons can be viewed in many woodlands in the Yorkshire Dales National Park where livestock have been excluded. Ramsons can also be found in other shady areas including the grykes of limestone pavement.