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Garlic Mustard Links
Garlic Mustard Home
What Is Garlic Mustard?
Garlic Mustard ID
Garlic Mustard Control
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Garlic Mustard Characteristics
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Identification
Growth
Garlic mustard is a rapidly growing, hardy, biennial (two-year
growth cycle) plant. Its appearance changes dramatically from one year to the next. With no controls, garlic mustard
becomes so dense that it shades out native wildflowers within a few years of being introduced.
Flowers
White (not yellow), at the end of stems, four petals (mustard
family), 1/4" wide, only in second year plants.
Seeds
Small, black, 100+ per plant.
Leaves
Rounded to kidney-shaped (first year), larger toothed, heart-shaped leaves (second year).
Roots
Taproot is slender, white, S-shaped curve at the top of root.
Blooming Period
Late April to early June.
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Garlic Mustard - Rosette
First Year Plant
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Habitat
Generally requires some shade; found in upland and floodplain
forests, savannas, yards, along roadsides, stormwater entry points, along trails, and at the base of large trees.
It is less tolerant of acidic soils.
First Year Plant
Germination
Seeds germinate in early April.
Leaves
Clusters of three to four, rounded to kidney-shaped, rise 2 to 6" from the ground, scalloped edges, dark green.
Similar Species
Violets (not four-petaled) and ground ivy, also known as Creeping Charlie (purple flowers).
Rosettes stay active and green throughout the winter.
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Garlic Mustard - Flower
Second Year Plant
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Second Year Plant
Height
1 to 4 feet tall.
Flowers
White (not yellow), four 1/4" petals, blooms late in April to early June, occur on the end of the main stem
and side branches.
Leaves
Heart-shaped to triangular, 2 to 3" across, large teeth, alternate on the stem.
Seed Capsules
Appear soon after flowering begins.
Seeds
within capsules are small, black, seeds produced in a single row, 100+ per plant.
Root
Taproot is slender, white, with S-shaped curve at the top of root.
Plant dies once seeds are dispersed in July or August.
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Garlic Mustard - Seed Pods
Second Year Plant
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