Green false hellebore
Toxic · do not eatPleated, strongly ribbed leaves along a stem, with no onion smell; highly toxic.
Extra care needed
Ramps.
Allium tricoccum
Also found as Wild leek · Ramson (American)
A spring woodland onion of eastern North America with broad, smooth leaves and a strong garlic-onion smell, sensitive to overharvest.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Deadly false hellebore and lily of the valley grow in the same woods. Crush every leaf to check for onion smell.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 15,161
- People who recorded it
- 6,115
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Apr–May
- Records span
- 1976–2026
| January | 26 |
|---|---|
| February | 40 |
| March | 1105 |
| April | 6923 |
| May | 3233 |
| June | 1153 |
| July | 1666 |
| August | 476 |
| September | 304 |
| October | 155 |
| November | 46 |
| December | 34 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
One to three broad, smooth, elliptic leaves from a small bulb.
- 02
Leaves often have a reddish or purplish lower stalk.
- 03
Strong onion-garlic smell when crushed; leaves die back before the white flower cluster appears.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Lily of the valley
Toxic · do not eatPaired leaves without onion smell; highly toxic.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Deciduous forests of eastern North America.
Watch the plant stage
Leaves in early spring; flowers in early summer after the leaves wither.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Leaf
Take one leaf per plant and cook or eat raw. Leave the bulb in the ground.
Care for the patch
Ramps grow slowly and many populations have declined. Some parks and regions ban or limit harvest. Take a single leaf per plant, never bulbs.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Allium tricoccumBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Allium tricoccumTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction