Also known as Three-cornered Leek, this spring-flowering bulb carries 2cm long bell-like white flowers (10-18mm) on stems which are three-sided and about 30cm high. Along the centre of each petal is a narrow green line and between 3 and 15 flowers are arranged in a drooping one-sided umbel not unlike that of a Bluebell. The leaves are very markedly angled, coming three to a plant from the base. From April to June these flowers can be seen growing along roadsides, in hedges, banks and other shady places. This plant is thought to have introduced into Ireland some three-hundred years ago and it has become naturalised in many counties. It belongs to the Daffodil or Amaryllidaceae family.
I first came across this plant in Powerscourt Demesne, Co Wicklow in the 1950's and was amazed at the strength of its aroma. This was before the use of garlic became widespread in Ireland but I loved the smell straight away! The photographs were taken in the Wellingtonbridge area of Co Wexford in 2005.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
