Wild leeks, also commonly known as ramps, are a type of onion widespread across eastern North America. Wild leeks are a perennial that enjoy rich soils of many forest floor, so they are a great ground cover in a shaded area of a garden. Another benefit is that they stay green in the winter, giving both color and green vegetables to eat. Typically they prefer moist areas, though there is a variety that will be found in dry upland forest floors.
It is eaten like many onions, though the flavor is a bit of a mixture of garlic and onion. The leaves, bulb (which really is leaves), and even roots are edible. That said, it is important to note that harvesting them in the wild in some areas is a problem and even illegal in Quebec (in parks). It is also a species of special concern in Maine and Rhode Island, though in Appalachia it grows so common that it is even commercially exploited and town have festivals around them.
An interesting point is that the other name, ramps, actually comes from Old English. The name ramps comes from a common name of another Allium species in Europe that the English called ramson, derived from Anglo-Saxon hramsa. Thus, while the common name ramps is confusing (especially since it’s typically plural), it has a long-storied tradition in our language.
A bonus interesting point is that Chicago is named for the wild leek. The Native American name for the plant is shikaakwa (chicagou), and there was a dense colony of them along the soon-to-be-named Chicago river. Thus, if you love onions and Chicago, you can celebrate; if you dislike them, you have an insult. Either way, it’s pretty interesting that a major city was named for an onion.
Map Source:
USDA Plants Profile
Photo Credit:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12729590