About Allium tricoccum Aiton
Allium tricoccum Aiton is a perennial plant that grows from ovoid-conical bulbs 2–6 cm (1–2 in) long. Plants typically produce a cluster of 2–6 bulbs, which give rise to broad, flat, smooth, light green leaves 20–30 cm (8–12 in) long including their narrow petioles; the lower stems often have deep purple or burgundy tints. The bulbs themselves are white, surrounded by brownish to grayish sheathing. Each bulb cluster produces one flowering stem. Flowers are arranged in an umbel borne on an erect scape that is usually 10–40 cm (4–16 in) long. Before opening, the inflorescence is enclosed by two ovate bracts, which fall away when the flowers open (anthesis). The flowering stem remains standing after the plant fruits. Unlike the similar species Allium ursinum, which has visible leaves and flowers at the same time, Allium tricoccum most often flowers after its leaves have died back. This species, commonly called ramps, grows in dense, tightly rooted groups just below the soil surface. Flowering occurs from June or July through August. Its flowers have white, cream, or yellowish tepals 4–7 mm (1⁄8–1⁄4 in) long. Stamens are roughly as tall as the tepals; their filaments have widened bases and are inserted on the corolla. After flowering and fertilization, the plant produces three-lobed green fruits that open via three valves. The seeds are round, black, and shiny. The species is widespread across eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Allium tricoccum var. tricoccum grows in rich, moist woodland soils, including in depressions, along streamside bluffs, and on colluvial slopes. Allium tricoccum var. burdickii grows in dry soils of upland woods. Allium tricoccum is popular in the cuisines of rural upland areas within its native range. Both the white lower leaf stalks and the broad green leaves are edible. It is considered an early spring vegetable, with a strong garlic-like odor and a distinct onion flavor. Ramps are growing in popularity at restaurants throughout North America, and their combined onion and strong garlic flavor works well in many cooking styles. In central Appalachia, ramps are most often fried with potatoes in bacon fat, or scrambled with eggs and served with bacon, pinto beans, and cornbread. They can also be pickled, or used in soups and other dishes as a substitute for onions and garlic. Multiple communities in the eastern United States hold annual food festivals centered on ramps. Richwood, West Virginia hosts the annual April "Feast of the Ramson", sponsored by the National Ramp Association. Locally called the "Ramp Feed", the event draws thousands of ramp enthusiasts from far away to sample ramp-based foods; during ramp season (late winter through early spring), local restaurants serve a wide variety of ramp-containing dishes. Elkins, West Virginia hosts the "Ramps and Rails Festival" on the last weekend of April each year, which includes a cook-off and ramp-eating contests, and draws several hundred attendees annually. Cosby, Tennessee, which borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has hosted the "Cosby Ramp Festival"—the largest and one of the oldest ramp festivals in the United States—on the first weekend of May since 1954. This festival has drawn as many as 30,000 visitors in past years, has been attended by former President Harry Truman, and has featured notable musical acts including Tennessee Ernie Ford, Eddy Arnold, Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, and Brenda Lee. In addition to ramp-focused food, heritage music, and dancing, a young woman is crowned "Maid of Ramps" each year. Flag Pond, Tennessee hosts its annual Ramp Festival on the second Saturday of May each year. The festival offers a wide variety of ramp-inspired foods, plus performances from multiple Appalachian music groups, and draws hundreds of attendees annually. Whitetop, Virginia holds its annual ramp festival on the third weekend of May. Sponsored by the Mount Rogers volunteer fire department, the event features local music from Wayne Henderson and other bands, a barbecued chicken feast served with fried potatoes, ramps, and local green beans, and ramp-eating contests for both children and adults. An annual ramp convention in Haywood County, North Carolina, has drawn as many as 4,000 participants per year since its founding around 1925. Huntington, West Virginia hosts an annual ramp festival called Stink Fest, hosted by The Wild Ramp, an indoor farmers market. Mason-Dixon Park in Greene County, Pennsylvania holds an annual ramp festival in late April, featuring ramp delicacies, music, crafts, and vendors. Mason-Dixon Historical Park in Core, West Virginia hosts a Ramp Dinner and Wildflower Walk each spring.
