In many regions wild garlic is a popular herb in spring dishes. However, when collecting in the forest, there is a risk of confusion with highly poisonous plants that should not be underestimated.
The poisonous doppelganger of wild garlic
The risk of confusing wild garlic with other plants is so great because several plants with similarly shaped leaves often share the same location in the forest with wild garlic. The following plants in particular are highly toxic when consumed:
- the lily of the valley
- the poisonous rod of Aaron
- the autumn crocuses
Since even small amounts of the leaves of these species can be highly toxic or even deadly, wild garlic should always be collected in the forest in the greatest concentration and never quickly and extensively. Planting wild garlic in a shady spot in your own garden offers a little more security, since mixing with other plants can be prevented here.
Recognize wild garlic correctly
Even if the leaves of the wild garlic differ slightly from those of its doubles when you look very closely, you should always do a smell test. To do this, rub a small part of a wild garlic leaf between your fingers until you can smell a garlic-like smell. This smell only occurs on the leaves of wild garlic and not on its doubles. However, for repeated application of this test, the hands must be waxed in between, otherwise the odor clinging to the hands could have disastrous consequences.
tips and tricks
Wild garlic is easier to find in the forest when it is in bloom, as the sometimes spherical flowers of up to twenty white individual flowers protrude from the ground on long stalks and spread a characteristic smell.