Nature conservation authority provides tips for safe collecting
With the arrival of spring, wild garlic season begins in the forests of the Groß-Gerau district. However, the Lower Nature Conservation Authority advises particular caution when harvesting it.
Risk of confusion with poisonous plants
Wild garlic can easily be confused with poisonous plants such as lily of the valley or autumn crocus. Therefore, only clearly identified plants should be collected.
A key identifying feature is the typical garlic smell: when the leaves are crushed, they release a distinct aroma. In addition, the leaves grow individually from the ground and have a matte underside.
Collecting is only permitted in small quantities
From a nature conservation perspective, wild garlic may only be collected for personal use and only in small quantities. The so-called "handful rule" provides a guideline: only as much as fits between the thumb and forefinger of one hand is permitted.
Respect nature conservation
Collecting plants is strictly prohibited in nature reserves. Furthermore, care should be taken to harvest only individual leaves from each plant in order to protect the populations.
The nature conservation authority recommends: If there is any doubt about the identification, collecting should be avoided.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
Flowering wild garlic . Photo: Harald Lehmann
