Ramps (Allium tricoccum Aiton) as a Wild Food in Northern Appalachia

Ramps (Allium tricoccum Aiton) are an edible wild allium native to Eastern North America. Ramp harvesting is an important tradition for both indigenous and non-indigenous Appalachian communities. In recent years, ramps have grown in popularity, especially in urban areas beyond their native range. To investigate the importance of ramps and ramp trade in the Northern Appalachian state of Pennsylvania, we conducted a mixed-methods study during a 3-year period (2019–2021). We found that: (1) 43% of harvesters and 63% of consumers were new to ramp harvesting (within 5 years); (2) harvesters reported using a variety of stewardship practices within harvest areas; (3) commercial harvesting was uncommon but supplies large quantities (11,000–17,000 plants per commercial harvester) of ramps to market; and (4) consumer education efforts are needed since many consumers possess less knowledge about ramp conservation needs, and can therefore drive commercial harvesting practices that are detrimental to the wild resource.