Wild Leek

(Allium tricoccum)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: NRCS, Plants Database, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Wild Leek (Allium tricoccum Aiton)

Identification: Flowers white and arranged in a globular cluster at the end of a long flowering stalk. Two bractlike appendages located just below the cluster of flowers. Two to three wide, onion-scented leaves arise from a ovate bulb. Leaves smell of onion and wither before the flower comes into bloom. Plant 6 to 18 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of eastern North America, but sporadic in the southeastern United States.

Habitat: Wild Leek is found in rich woods.

Flowering period: June to July.

Similar Species: The wide, onion-smelling leaves and the globular cluster of white flowers are distinctive for Wild Leek.

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