In the spring, the prevalence of Ramsons in the riparian forest may be so extreme that a veritable carpet covers the entire woodlands floor. The leaves of this plant, a relative of garlic (Ramsons is commonly called "wild garlic"), are popularly collected to make salads, soups or a spinach-like vegetable dish. Brown bears are said to feast on this wild vegetable after emerging from hibernation, giving rise to another common name for the plant, "bear's garlic".
Description
This perennial grows to heights of 10 to 50cm and has a slim, elongated underground bulb. Rising directly from the bulb are two stalk-like, broadly elliptical pointed leaves. The leaf base narrows abruptly into the leaf stalk. Non-flowering individuals, like those collected for use as wild vegetables, may be fatally mixed up with the toxic Convallaria majalis, or Lily-of-the-Valley. The leaves of the Lily-of-the-Valley are broader and are always enclosed in pairs by a type of leaf sheath. Contrary to popular wisdom, both plants may indeed be found in the same locations! The smell of the plant alone cannot be relied upon to differentiate between them, because after only a short time, the overpowering smell of Ramsons tricks the senses into thinking that everything smells like garlic. Ramsons flowers are arranged in umbels; the individual blossoms are creamy white, six-petalled and star-shaped.
Distribution
Found across nearly all of Europe; in Austria, the species is found in all provinces, from low-lying areas up to montane zones. Typical sites include moist, loamy, well-drained and nutrient-rich soils in woodlands and riparian forest conditions. In the Donau-Auen National Park, Ramsons is typically found in the hardwood riparian forests which are seldom flooded.
Endangerment and Conservation Status
In the southern and western Alpine regions, Ramsons is regionally vulnerable.
Ecological Characteristics
Ramsons is a typical early bloomer. This plant utilizes the increased light available early in the year before the deciduous trees foliate. Energy stored in its bulb enables Ramsons to form leaves quickly and thus optimally use the existing light conditions on the woodland floor. Flowers appear from May to June. Once the tree canopy has closed above the Ramsons, the above-ground portions of the plant disappear. For the remainder of the year, these early bloomers relinquish the woodland floors to their shade-tolerant herb relatives.
Special Characteristics
As an ancient natural remedy, Ramsons leaves are collected prior to flowering in the spring and its bulb in the summer and fall. Both contain essential oils and substantial amounts of Vitamin C. Eaten raw or cooked, the plant has an antiseptic effect and helps stabilise intestinal flora. As well, it works to combat arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure and is even used as a treatment for pinworm infestation. To treat pinworm, the Ramsons bulb is crushed, added to milk, and drunk in small sips.