Ramsons (Allium ursinum)

Ramsons grow abundantly, forming a dense carpet in the semi shade under deciduous trees. The leaves emerge in late winter; the white, star-like flowers are present during April and May; and the whole plant has completely died down by mid-summer.It is sometimes used as an indicator species for ancient woodlands. Every part of the plant is edible and it has been used as a culinary garlic flavouring and traditional medicine for centuries. In Europe, it has been used as an antimicrobial agent, a digestive stimulant, to reduce blood cholesterol levels and as a remedy for colds and bronchitis. The Association for the Protection and Research on European Medicinal Plants voted it the Medicinal Plant of the Year in 1992. In Poland, Ramsons have been partially protected by law since 2004 and it is now illegal to collect it there in the wild.