April 7, 1945: 72 years ago today

Collected on April 7, 1945, this specimen was found by Otto Jennings near route 910, Bakerstown (Richland Township), PA. Jennings was an extremely influential botanist, focusing on nearly all aspects of plants in our region.  He made many contributions to the museum, serving as the Curator of Botany, Director of Education, and eventually Director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  He also was Professor of Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, having advised many students.  His legacy remains to this day for his well-known influence on the museum, botany, conservation, and environmental education.
 
Allium tricoccum, also known as wild leeks or “ramps,” is spring ephemeral species found in rich forests across eastern North America.  Known for its pungent garlic/onion flavor, people throughout Appalachia have long eaten this plant to welcome the arrival of spring.  Ramps were traditionally dug up for food by Appalachian peoples during the Zodiac sign Aries (March-April), symbolized by a ram.  The plant was therefore called “ram’s son,” which through time has been shortened to simply “ramps.”
 
Ramps festivals exist to this day and are increasingly popular at upscale restaurants.  However, over-collecting can lead to devastating population declines of the species, and digging up this plant is banned or restricted in some areas.

Ramps and other forest understory wildflowers abound in early spring, central New York.