Allium tricoccum

Product Info

Ramps (Allium tricoccum)
Onion Family

Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are among the first native vegetables to emerge from North American forests in early spring. Broad basal leaves emerge first in early March and die back when flowering begins in early summer. Plants go completely dormant by mid summer. Ramps are known for their distinctive garlicky flavor, and are a prized ingredient in culinary dishes, particularly in Appalachian cuisine. Both the leaves and bulbs are edible, though it is increasingly common to harvest only the leaves, as they offer ample flavor on their own. Due to rising demand, overharvesting in the wild has become a concern, making sustainable cultivation and harvesting practices essential. When growing Ramps in the garden, patience is key, as they are slow to establish and have a long lifespan. It may take several years for them to form a sizable patch. Ramps thrive in moist, well-drained, rich soils with plenty of organic matter, and they prefer partial to full shade. In areas with dense, clay soils, heavy amendment with organic matter is necessary for healthy growth. 

Blooms: White, 2-3 weeks, June-July
Leaves: Wide, matte green basal leaves emerge in early spring and disappear by mid summer
Height: 6-12”
Space: 1-2'
Soil: Moist, Rich
Exposure:   Shade, Part Shade
Fauna: Bees, some flies
Seeds: Shiny black seeds persist well into fall
Deer Resistance: High
Zone:  3-7
Native Status: NC native, common in the Mountains
Provenance: NC, seed grown