Ramsons
Taken at Dalzell Estate on 20th May 2020 using Nikon D500 with Sigma 105 mm macro lens.
Fact File

Taken at Galloway Forest Park on 21st May 2023 using Panasonic Lumix TZ70 in macro mode. Fact File

Taken at Baron's Haugh on 19th May 2021 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode Fact File
Ramsons.
Species:
Order:
Family:
Habit:
AKA:
Allium ursinum.
Asparagales.
Amaryllidaceae
A perennial.
Wild garlic, broad-leaved garlic, wood garlic, bear leek or bear's garlic
Habitat:
Height:
Blooms:
Feature:

Likes dim, damp places like woodland, meadows, riverbanks.
25 - 45 cm in height.
April - June.
The name "Ramsons" probably arises from an Anglo-Saxon word for 'rank' - referring to the unpleasant odour and taste of milk from cows which have eaten the plant. The chopped leaves have been used as garlic flavouring for cooked dishes. However in the past it was considered an inferior type of
garlic - fit only for bears to eat. This is probably how the scientific name contains the reference to the Latin for 'bear' , ursus.
The leaves of Allium Ursinum are easily mistaken for Lily of the Valley,
Colchicum Autumnale and Arum Maculatum, all of which are poisonous; Potentially deadly incidents occur almost every year.