Allium ursinum

The European analog of our native wild leek (A. tricoccum), this shade-loving onion is worth growing not only for its heads of white flowers in mid-spring but also for its handsome broad leaves. The leaves and bulbs once figured in the diets of cultures throughout its range. Thus the rash of common names, including bear’s garlic and gypsy onion. Modified continental/Maritime/Mediterranean; Europe. Zone 5.

Photo: AnnaKika, licensed under CC BY 2.0