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What Is Garlic Mustard?
Garlic Mustard ID
Garlic Mustard Control
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What Is Garlic Mustard?
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Introduction
Garlic mustard (Allaria petiolata), native to Europe,
was introduced to North America by early settlers for its supposed medicinal properties and use in cooking. Since
it is free from the natural enemies of its homeland, garlic mustard has a competitive edge over native vegetation.
Garlic mustard invades disturbed habitats, but also readily spreads into high quality forests. It provides food
and habitat for few wildlife species. Once canopy closure of the ground layer by garlic mustard is complete, most
native vegetation is lost.
Life History
Garlic mustard is a biennial that produces hundreds of seeds
per plant, which may remain viable in the soil for seven or more years. Typically, seeds germinate in early April.
By the summer of the first year, garlic mustard appears as a basal rosette. It remains green through the following
winter, making it possible to check for garlic mustard in the woods throughout the year. Early the next spring,
it grows rapidly and shoots up a flowering stalk that blooms from late April through early June. Seed capsules
begin to form just days after flowering begins. Seeds quickly become viable and are disseminated in July and August
when the plant dies. |
Garlic Mustard - Single Plant
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Distribution & Habitat
Garlic mustard is a problem in the United States in its Northeast
and Midwest sections. The boundaries are from lower Canada in the north and south to the Carolinas, from the east
coast west to Utah. In Michigan, the number and extent of infestations is greatest in the southern lower peninsula.
However, garlic mustard has been found throughout the state. Garlic mustard grows best in the shade, but will occasionally
tolerate full sun. Look for it along road and trail-sides, forest edges, stream banks and at the base of trees.
Spread
Garlic mustard spreads by seeds carried on the fur of mammals
such as deer, mice, squirrels, and horses. It is also moved by flowing water. Humans transport the seeds by pant
cuffs, shoes, camping equipment, and vehicles. It is likely that isolated infestations, especially in public places,
have been carried in by people visiting from another infested area. Seeds in the soil are easily carried in the
soles of most athletic shoes or hiking boots. Birds are likely carriers to places generally inaccessible to other
animals or people. |
Garlic Mustard - Forest Invader
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