Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Ramps (wild leeks).
Similar to its close cousins, wild onions and wild garlic, ramps are
found ranging from the Great Lakes to New England and south to the mountains of Georgia.
Wild leeks thrive in partially shaded, moist, rich woodlands, often under maples. They have the
long leaves with parallel veins, similar to many poisonous members of the lily family. Crush a
piece of one leaf and smell for the characteristic strong onion odor. Plants that smell like onions
are not poisonous. In early spring, they look much like smaller versions of grocery store leeks,
before the leaves shrivel and are replaced by a slender stalk with an umbrella-like cluster of
small white flowers. When a few of the small, three-lobed seed clusters survive the fall, they
point to an underground winter supply of delicious bulbs. Harvest green leaves in the spring, or
the bulbs any time of the year. Use as flavoring in soups and stews, or sauté like onions.
Figure 7-22. Ramps.
Rose hips.
Wild roses are found in many different varieties across the United States. Their
fruits are a fantastic source of vitamin C. The larger fruits can be quite good raw, although you
may want to avoid the bitter seeds. Many people collect rose hips for a delicious tea. They may
be boiled and strained to make a sauce with the consistency of applesauce.
