Allium tricoccum (Small white leek)

Allium tricoccum, commonly known as a ramp or my favorite Small white leek. It is a native species of wild onion found across Canada and the eastern United States. A perennial plant growing from a conical bulb, like other onion/garlic species, produces broad leaves in early spring. Each cluster of bulbs produces a single flowering stalk. Unlike other members of its genus, flowering occurs after the leaves have all died back. Hence it gives rise to a unique display on the forest floor. I had initially suspected this was a parasitic plant from its lack of leaves and time of flower.

These were found in New York state near Ithaca in OD Von Engeln preserve a property managed by the nature conservancy.

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