Distinguish between slopes and lilies of the valley
In my experience, the correct identification of Ramps versus Lily of the Valley is crucial, especially since one is a coveted wild edible species and the other is poisonous. I’ll show you how to tell them apart by their visual characteristics, odor and flavor profiles, and their typical locations.
Visual identification
Slopes, a type of wild onion, have wide, smooth and elongated green leaves with a purplish or red tinge at the base, where they turn into a white bulb. Their appearance is evident in early spring, when slopes form in forests before the canopy has fully formed.
Lily of the valley, on the other hand, has leaves that superficially resemble those of ramps. However, upon closer inspection, differences emerge. Lily of the valley has a pair of leaves growing directly from the root, with a flower stem rising individually, culminating in a cascade of small, bell-shaped flowers and ultimately bright red berries.
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Driveways:
- Leaves: broad, smooth, green with a purple-red base.
- Base: A bulb similar to that of onions or garlic.
- Roots: Thin, white roots.
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Lily of the valley:
- Leaves: Two leaves per plant emerge from the ground.
- Flower stem: Stems with small bell-shaped flowers, not found on slopes.
- Berries: Bright red when mature, indicating the poisonous nature of the plant.
Odor and flavor profiles
Ramps have a distinctive odor and taste similar to onion and garlic, which is an important characteristic for identification. When foraging, the bulb and leaves can be both smelled and tasted to confirm their identity. Conversely, Lily of the Valley has a distinctly different, floral scent, with no onion or garlic notes, and it is crucial to note that no part of this plant should be tasted due to its poisonous properties.
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Driveways:
- Smell: Garlic and onion.
- Taste: Strong and sharp, similar to onion and garlic.
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Lily of the valley:
- Smell: sweet and floral.
- Taste: This plant is poisonous and should not be tasted.
Where to find them
I have found slopes primarily in rich, moist forests, often near streams or in wooded areas with a history of old farms. They are generally found in patches and prefer shady areas with cool, moist soil. Lily of the valley also prefers shady locations and can encroach on gardens as a houseplant. It is not bred as ramps, and care should be taken not to confuse the two in areas where both plants may coexist.
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Driveways:
- Locations: Damp forests, near old farms, shady places.
- Feed: Yes, with sustainable practices.
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Lily of the valley:
- Locations: Shady areas, including home gardens.
- Food: No, because the plant itself is poisonous.