by Brian Sparks, WVU Extension Agent, Nicholas and Fayette Counties

Ramps announce the arrival of spring in the woods. Many folks eagerly anticipate using the savory plants as a spring tonic to get them out of the winter blues.

Ramps are known as wild leeks, which are native to West Virginia. They belong to the lily family and are close relatives of the onion and garlic. The foliage of the ramp develops quickly into flat, green leaves that are 2 inches wide and 8 inches long at maturity. However, the leaves disappear quickly once deciduous trees begin to make a canopy. The bulbs, very similar to onions, remain in the soil.

In the summer, the ramp will flower with three sepals and three petals and produce seeds. Once the ramp has bloomed, it goes dormant and reactivates when spring comes. Wild ramps usually are found in patches of hundreds and even thousands. The soil below deciduous trees provides adequate nutrients and moisture for them to thrive.

If you enjoy the flavor of ramps, you can add some to your woodlands if you can find a few plants in the spring. Plant the bulb 2 inches deep. Ramps will thrive on moist, shady hillsides. In about 5 to 10 years, you will be able to harvest a few for home consumption.

This seasonal plant creates excitement at many festivals. Each year, the city of Richwood serves up thousands of pounds of ramps. Local volunteers serve these old-time Appalachian delights by the plateful.

Attending such festivals is a perfect way to enjoy an old favorite food or to experience your first taste of this delicacy. You might consider adding a ramp dinner to your spring “to-do” list.

—WVU-ES—