Wild garlic (ramsons) Allium ursinum
Wild garlic (ramsons) (Allium ursinum) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Europe and Caucasus (damp deciduous woodland). It grows 20–45 cm (8–18 in) tall and 10–25 cm (4–10 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Wild garlic (ramsons) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Wild garlic (ramsons) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Mature height | 20–45 cm (8–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–25 cm (4–10 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 22 °C (72 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flower buds, flowers, bulbs |
| Native to | Europe and Caucasus (damp deciduous woodland) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Wild garlic (ramsons) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: bulbs, leaves
Alliums can damage red blood cells in pets; people must not mistake the leaves for toxic lily of the valley or autumn crocus.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Wild garlic (ramsons)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Legumes (pea family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Legumes (pea family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
Shared pests and diseases
- White rot: Allium white rot survives in soil for 15+ years; never move infected soil. Evidence B
See Wild garlic (ramsons) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (24 plants)
Questions about Wild garlic (ramsons)
- How far apart should I plant Wild garlic (ramsons)?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–25 cm (4–10 in).
- Does Wild garlic (ramsons) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Wild garlic (ramsons) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Wild garlic (ramsons)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Wild garlic (ramsons) flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Wild garlic (ramsons) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Alliums can damage red blood cells in pets; people must not mistake the leaves for toxic lily of the valley or autumn crocus.
- What grows well with Wild garlic (ramsons)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Wild garlic (ramsons). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Spring ephemeral that dies back by early summer; spreads vigorously by seed and bulb in moist shady soil. Best in woodland-type conditions.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Onion Allium cepa
- Daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus
- Garlic Allium sativum
- Leek Allium ampeloprasum (Porrum group)
- Chives Allium schoenoprasum
- Agapanthus Agapanthus praecox
- Ornamental allium Allium giganteum
- Shallot Allium cepa var. aggregatum