Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata
| Common Name: | Garlic mustard |
| Scientific Name: | Alliaria petiolata |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Growth Form: | Herb |
| Native Range: | Europe |
| Invasive Range: | Woodland habitats in |
| Introduction: | Garlic mustard was introduced by Europeans for food, and first recorded in |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Simple, either triangular or heart shaped, rough teeth, deep veins. Can grow up to 8 inches across. Garlicky smell noticeable when leaf is crushed. Small, triangular leaves in rosette of 3-4 leaves on first year plants. Leaves alternate on stem of mature plant.
·Stem: Single weak stem for each plant. Can reach up to 80 cm (3 ft.) in height. ·Flowers: Small and white. Four petals form a cross. ·Fruit: Long, brown seedpods |
| Threats: | Garlic mustard releases compounds from its roots which prevent the growth of grass, herbs and seedlings. It can advance across the forest floor at a rate of 20 ft. per year. There is generally very low species diversity on the forest floor in areas that have been colonized by garlic mustard. |
| Fun Facts: | Garlic mustard was originally used as a vegetable because of its high concentrations of vitamin A and C. It lends a garlicky flavor to food. Its juice has antiseptic properties. |
Garlic mustard ground cover
Garlic mustard ground cover
Garlic mustard leaf