SafePlants

Garlic Mustard: An In-Depth Look

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herb known for its invasive nature in North America. It was originally introduced from Europe for culinary and medicinal purposes but has since become a concern in various ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has a strong, distinctive smell similar to garlic, which may attract or deter animals.

Considerations for Children

• Garlic mustard was historically used as an edible herb.
• The plant produces explosive seed pods.

Common Names

• Garlic Mustard
• Garlic Root
• Hedge Garlic
• Sauce-alone
• Jack-in-the-bush
• Penny Hedge
• Poor Man's Mustard
• Hedge Garlic
• Jack-by-the-Hedge

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara and Grande
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Alliaria officinalis Cavara and Grande
  • Alliaria officinalis Andrz. ex Bieb
  • Alliaria alliaria
  • Arabis petiolata
  • Sisymbrium alliaria
• The genus name Alliaria, meaning "resembling Allium," refers to the garlic-like odor of the crushed foliage.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native Range: Europe
• Garlic mustard has spread throughout much of the United States and Canada, particularly in the northeastern and midwestern states (specifically 27 midwestern and northeastern states).
• It is commonly found in damp, shaded areas, hedgerows, and at the edges of woods.
• It invades forested communities and edge habitats.

Ecological Role

• Garlic mustard is an invasive species that outcompetes native vegetation for light, moisture, nutrients, soil, and space.
• It is considered one of the worst invasive plant species in Ohio's natural areas and a serious concern in Minnesota.
• It is classified as a Restricted Noxious Weed in Minnesota, meaning its transportation, propagation, or sale is restricted.

Morphological Characteristics

• Garlic mustard is a cool-season biennial or short-lived perennial herb.
• It grows to a height of around 2-3 feet (adult plants grow 2-48 inches (5-125 cm) high).
• First-year plants are basal rosettes.
• Second-year plants bolt and flower.
• The leaves are stalked, triangular to heart-shaped, and coarsely toothed. First year leaves are wrinkly and heart shaped with big rounded teeth.
• It has many white flowers with 4 petals, arranged in clusters.
• The fruits are long, linear pods.
• All parts of the plant produce a characteristic garlic fragrance when crushed.

Quirky Facts

• Garlic mustard was introduced to North America in the early 1800s for use as an edible herb, valued for its vitamins A and C.
• The species was first found on Long Island around 1868.
• It is spreading across the continent at a rate of 6,400 square kilometers annually.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Garlic mustard crowds out native species and dominates the forest floor.
• The plant disperses a large number of seeds, which contributes to its invasive success.

Resources and Further Information

• Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
• Forest Invasive Plants Resource Center - http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/invasiveplants/
• Invasive Plants of Ohio