Mistaking Autumn Crocus (Colchique d’automne) and Lily of the Valley (Muguet) for Wild Garlic (Ail des ours)

In a comment to my recent post on Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum), a reader, Marie-Noelle Chung helpfully drew my attention to the possibility and danger of confusing it with the poisonous Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) on which I posted earlier. By coincidence, when I took the photos of the wild garlic in early April 2024, I also took pictures of the crocus in the same park (Darley Country Park in Derbyshire) on the same day.  The distinguishing feature is the strong characteristic garlic smell of Allium ursinum. Colchicum autumnale also does not flower in spring but in autumn, hence its name. It is also said that some may confuse wild garlic with Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) which contains toxic molecules (cardiac glycosides) similar to the heart drug digoxin and digitoxin obtained from the foxglove. Again, the distinguishing feature is the garlic smell. I did not find any Lily of the Valley growing in Darley Park on my April 2024 visit, but I found some in my garden today (14 April 2024) albeit still too early for full growth and bloom. I attach four photos to show their differences (Photo 1 – Wild Garlic; Photo 2 – Autumn crocus; Photo 3 – Lily of the Valley in early growth in my garden; Photo 4 – Lily of the Valley in full growth and bloom. People have also mistaken daffodils for spring onions (another allium; see earlier separate post). So, I am adding this reminder here to prevent accidents.

Previous relevant post 1: Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) – a forager’s delight and rejuvenating therapy for all.

Previous relevant post 2. The autumn crocus (Colchique d’automne, Colchicum autumnale) – The Naked Lady as Medicine, Murderous Poison, and drug for profiteers.

Previous relevant post 3. The Foxglove (Digitalis lanata, White) – The source of the drug digoxin and Digitalis purpurea (purple)

Previous relevant post Daffodils are not good for Michelin-starred stir-fries. Mistaking daffodils for spring onions

Photo Credit – ALWP, CEBP except photo 4 (Wikipedia commons).

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