In April this unusual native plant produces onion scented leaves up to 12 inches long and 2 inches wide from a perennial bulb (D). In June or July, after the leaves have withered or disappeared, a globe-shaped flower head, consisting of many small greenish-white flowers appears on a leafless, reddish stalk up to 15 inches long (A,B). The fruits appear in late July (C).
Grows in moist woodlands, flowering in June and July. At Neale Woods, it is locally common near Paw Paw Trail on the terrace above Rock Creek. Scattered plants have been seen elsewhere, most notably in the deep ravine along Bittersweet Trail. Wild Leek has not been found in Fontenelle Forest.
Wild leek bulbs and leaves were widely used by Native Americans as food or seasoning. The name Chicago originated from a Menomini word for wild leek. Ramps is another common name for Wild Leek.
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