It is not enough to differentiate on a visual basis - you should pay attention to this
When the autumn crocus sprouts its leaves in spring, it is Heyday long ago over. Based on the crocus-like flowers, you will not differentiate the poisonous plant from wild garlic. If you go into the forest to collect the herb plant, please pay attention to these identifying features:
- Wild garlic forms lance-shaped leaves on individual stems, with a glossy top and matt underside
- Autumn crocus leaves are elongated-narrow and grow in groups on one stem
- Wild garlic leaves are softer than autumn crocus leaves
also read
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Since the optical differences can only be unequivocally revealed to an experienced wild garlic collector, an odor test should provide final security. If wild garlic leaves are rubbed between the fingers, an intense garlic scent develops.
Odor test has its pitfalls
Reducing the distinction between autumn crocus and wild garlic to just the smell is dangerous. After a few sniffing tests, the pervasive garlic scent sticks to your hands and fingers, so that you will be misled in further attempts. If you hold an odorless autumn crocus under your nose, you will still perceive a supposedly wild garlic aroma - with fatal consequences.
Better to grow wild garlic than to collect it
In view of the fatal risk of confusion with autumn crocus, we recommend not collecting the herb plant in the forest. It is better to grow wild garlic in your own garden and thus avoid all threats.
Tips
The leaves of lily of the valley and the sometimes overgrown garden tulip also look very similar to wild garlic. Both plants thrive in similar locations as the tasty herb plant. Although unintentional consumption of lily of the valley or tulip leaves does not have any fatal consequences, severe nausea with vomiting occurs within 15 minutes.
