Ramp (Allium tricoccum, Hort. Kew. 1: 428 (1789))

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Author: Aiton

Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 1: 428 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Allium

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Ramp, scientifically known as Allium tricoccum, is a plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. This plant is native to Eastern Canada, North Carolina, and various regions of the Eastern United States, flourishing in the temperate regions.

Ramps, often heralded as a spring delicacy, play a crucial role in both ecological and culinary landscapes. They are particularly valued for their pungent aroma, akin to a blend of garlic and onion, making them a prized ingredient in numerous traditional and contemporary dishes.

Typically found in rich, moist, deciduous forests, ramps prefer shady areas with fertile, well-drained soil. Their natural habitat stretches from Eastern Canada to North Carolina, showcasing a remarkable adaptability across different climatic zones in Eastern North America.

In terms of physical characteristics, ramps possess broad, smooth, light green leaves which emerge early in spring. These leaves are followed by white, globular clusters of flowers appearing in the late spring or early summer. The plants grow from small, elongated bulbs, which are as edible as the leaves, contributing to their full botanical and culinary allure.

The history of ramp usage dates back centuries, with indigenous populations and early settlers utilizing both its nutritional and medicinal qualities. Modern foragers and chefs alike continue to harvest ramps, mindful of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of this treasured wild plant.

The meticulous documentation of Allium tricoccum’s botanical classification can be traced back to the influential work, Hortus Kewensis (Vol. 1, p. 428), published in 1789 by Aiton. This seminal text provides essential insights into the taxonomy and distribution of ramps, cementing their status within the botanical community.

In summary, Allium tricoccum, or ramps, are more than just a seasonal treat; they are an integral part of the Eastern North American flora, celebrated for their distinct flavor and cultural significance. Protecting this species through sustainable harvesting and conservation practices ensures that their unique presence endures for future generations to enjoy.

Common Names

Eng: ramp, small white leek, wild leek, wood leek, small wild leek
Fra: ail des bois, ail sauvage, ail trilobé
En: Ramp, Wood leek, Wild leek, Wild Ramp, Small white leek, Small wild leek
Fr: Ail des bois, Ail sauvage, Ail sauvavge, Ail trilobé
No: Ramsløk
Fa: پیازچه بهاری

Synonyms

• Ophioscorodon tricoccon ((Aiton) Wallr.)
• Aglitheis tricoccum ((Aiton) Raf.)
• Validallium tricoccum ((Aiton) Small)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 12, 2022 by c isa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by wein gottz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by andre rivest (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by David Botcherby (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by mlad trk (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2022 by yangsheng zhang (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2020 by Caroline Reisiger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2014 by EOL − Anita (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken May 10, 2020 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Hyla Skudder (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by genevieve fortin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2015 by EOL − Tomas Curtis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 29, 2021 by Daniel Campeau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2020 by Brooke Noll (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Hyla Skudder (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Lawrence Chu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by Carrard Matheus (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2022 by Bryce Avot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2856301)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:8906-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Allium tricoccum Aiton)

Specifications

Growth