Wild Leek

Allium tricoccum

Pollinator Value

❄️ Winter Food Source: Genus-level Allium seeds and bulbs consumed by Wild Turkey (Phasianidae, 8.1% diet by weight) and Chukar (Phasianidae, 5.2% occurrence). Both are ground-foraging birds that may access persistent bulbs and fallen seeds.
S57

Proximity Score: 0
Native Status: ✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: Local
CEC Eco-Regions: 5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians
Rarity Notes: Ranked S3 (Vulnerable) in Quebec due to over-harvesting pressure and habitat loss. Harvest is regulated under Quebec's Endangered Species Act; commercial harvest has been prohibited since 1995. Ranked S4 (Apparently Secure) in Ontario. Globally ranked G5. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC.
S22 S3 QC, S4 ON, G5; S26 not SARA-listed; S61 over-harvested wild food
Rarity Ranks: QC S3 – Vulnerable, ON S4 – Apparently Secure
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: A spring ephemeral of rich, mesic deciduous forests, especially sugar maple-beech stands on moist slopes and high-terrace floodplains. Forms clonal colonies from bulb offsets in deep humus. An indicator species of intact old-growth forest floor communities; presence signals minimal historical disturbance. Threatened by over-harvesting and invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), which shades out its spring foliage.
S10 mesic deciduous woodlands indicator; S7 beech-maple climax; S4 rich deciduous upland and floodplain woods; S61 over-harvested wild food

Roles: grass suppressor, pest repellent
S72 apple_guild:grass_suppressor; S29 repels insects and moles
Notes: Allium sulfur compounds repel insects and moles, making ramps valuable pest-deterrent companions in forest gardens. Grows well beneath fruit trees as an understory herb layer. Tolerates juglone, enabling pairing with black walnut. Inhibits legume growth through root exudates, so avoid planting near nitrogen-fixers. Listed as a grass suppressor in apple guilds.
S29 repellent properties, juglone tolerance, legume inhibition; S72 apple guild grass suppressor

Category: Antihemorrhagic, Cold Remedy, Ear Medicine, Pulmonary Aid, Emetic, Anthelmintic, Pediatric Aid, Tonic
S28 Moerman categories
Notes: Cherokee used the plant as a spring tonic, cold remedy, and for croup (pulmonary aid). Warm juice applied externally for earache. Chippewa prepared a root decoction as a quick-acting emetic. Iroquois administered decoctions to children as an anthelmintic and used the plant as a spring tonic. PFAF notes the species likely shares the medicinal virtues of garlic (A. sativum) in milder form.
S28 Cherokee, Chippewa, Iroquois uses; S29 garlic comparison

✅ Edible ✅ Commonly Eaten

Foraging Notes: Bulbs and leaves eaten raw or cooked as a prized spring vegetable. Cherokee cooked bulbs and leaves like poke, with or without eggs. Iroquois ate bulbs raw. Menominee and Ojibwa dried plants for winter use. Considered one of the best North American wild Allium species for sweetness and flavour. Widely celebrated at annual Ramp Festivals in Appalachia. All parts edible but large quantities not recommended due to sulfide content.
S28 Cherokee, Iroquois, Menominee, Ojibwa food uses; S29 best N. American wild species; S4 Ramp Festival, low toxicity warning