wild leeks (Allium tricoccum) at Malanaphy Springs State Preserve IA 653A6993
These robust green wild leek leaves are reaching skyward for the scant sunshine as they hope to photosynthesize and power the growth of their amazing underground bulbs. Out east in the Appalachian Mountains these plants are called ramps and residents there hold festivals to celebrate the flavor of those edible bulbs. Don't pick them here at the State Preserve but if you have wild leeks growing on your property you can dig up a few bulbs and savor their delicious woodsy onion flavor. Wild leeks do flower, but not until July when these large distinctive leaves are long gone.
wild leeks (Allium tricoccum) at Malanaphy Springs State Preserve IA 653A6993
These robust green wild leek leaves are reaching skyward for the scant sunshine as they hope to photosynthesize and power the growth of their amazing underground bulbs. Out east in the Appalachian Mountains these plants are called ramps and residents there hold festivals to celebrate the flavor of those edible bulbs. Don't pick them here at the State Preserve but if you have wild leeks growing on your property you can dig up a few bulbs and savor their delicious woodsy onion flavor. Wild leeks do flower, but not until July when these large distinctive leaves are long gone.