Many flowers in the spring forest may not be picked, as many are protected. This ban does not apply to one particularly popular plant: wild garlic. This edible plant attracts visitors to the forest to be made into pesto or wild garlic butter. "Collecting wild garlic for personal use is permitted. However, only in normal household quantities," explains Dr. Simon Boden, Head of the District Office's Forestry Department. The state forest law limits the permitted quantity to a "hand bunch". Collecting for commercial purposes is only possible with a permit.
When wild garlic flowers, it loses its characteristic flavor
However, Dr. Simon Boden advises caution: "Only people who can distinguish wild garlic from poisonous lily of the valley or autumn crocus should collect it. Information on how to tell the difference can be found on the Internet, for example at Do not confuse: Differences between lily of the valley, wild garlic and autumn crocus | MDR.DE. It is also important to move carefully and consciously in the forest to avoid disturbing wild animals and other forest visitors.
If you still want to enjoy the wild garlic this year, you should hurry: The wild garlic will soon begin to flower and then lose its characteristic flavor.
