What's That Smell?

Have you ever walked through the woods and noticed the aroma of onions? If you have, it is likely you've walked through a patch of one of our native or naturalized onions. Chive (Allium schoenosprasum) is an odoriferous plant that grows in clumps, starts from a bulb and has tubular leaves which are long and narrow. Wild garlic (Allium vineale) also has tubular leaves. Our native onions have flattened leaves. In addition to the well known ramps, or wild leek (Allium tricoccum) we have two species with narrow, flattened leaves: nodding onion (Allium cernuum) and wild onion (Allium canadense).

While in the outdoors, many people may limit their senses to what they can see or hear, but don't forget your nose! The outdoors is full of smells, some more pleasing than others, but all there to be noticed. Of course flowers give off smells, but so do plants that are not flowering such as the wild chive. Another plant that gives off an odor when stepped on is skunk cabbage. Speaking of skunks, this is an animal which, if not seen, can be noted in an area by its smell. So the next time you are out in nature, stop and smell everything.

Today's photo was taken by WPC Watershed Technician Alysha Trexler.

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