Confusing the leaves of poisonous autumn crocus and wild garlic is one of the most common causes of poisoning. Read here which characteristics you can use to distinguish between the two plants.
How do you distinguish autumn crocus from wild garlic?
To distinguish autumn crocus from wild garlic, you should pay attention to the following characteristics: wild garlic has lance-shaped, shiny leaves on individual stems, while autumn crocus has elongated, narrow leaves on one stem. An additional smell test can help, in which crushed wild garlic leaves release an intense garlic scent.
It's not enough to distinguish by visual appearance - you should pay attention to this
When the autumn crocus sprouts its leaves in spring, the flowering period has long since ended. You will not be able to differentiate wild garlic as a poisonous plant based on the crocus-like flowers. 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 shiny top and a matt underside
- Autumn crocus leaves are elongated and narrow and thrive in groups on one stem
- Wild garlic leaves are softer than autumn crocus leaves
Since the visual differences can only be clearly understood by an experienced wild garlic collector, a smell test should provide final security. If wild garlic leaves are rubbed between your fingers, an intense garlic scent develops.
Smell test has its pitfalls
Reducing the distinction between autumn crocus and wild garlic solely to the smell poses a danger. After a few sniff tests, the pungent garlic scent clings to your hands and fingers, misleading you in further attempts. If you hold an odorless autumn crocus under your nose, you will still smell a wild garlic aroma - with fatal consequences.
It's better to grow wild garlic instead of collecting it
In view of the deadly risk of confusion with autumn crocus, we recommend that you avoid collecting the herb plant in the forest. It's better if you grow wild garlic in your own garden and avoid all threats.
Tip
The leaves of lily of the valley and the sometimes wild 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 result in fatal consequences, severe nausea and vomiting occur within 15 minutes.