Garlic Mustard
With an early spring jump on native plants, this invader dominates forest understories. It releases chemicals harmful to soil fungus important to native trees.
Common Name: Garlic mustard
Scientific Name: Alliaria petiolata
Native Range: Europe
Background
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herb that grows as a rosette of kidney-shaped leaves in the first year. The second-year plant can grow multiple stems up to four feet high with triangular, sharply-toothed leaves. In May, four-petaled, white flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem. Garlic mustard produces a multitude of seeds, which can remain viable for seven years or more.
Habitat
Garlic mustard thrives in deciduous forests and partially shaded, moist habitats.
NYS Distribution Map
NOTE: If you receive a “sign in” message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Water chestnut submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Identification
Garlic mustard leaves have a garlic aroma when crushed. First-year plants have a rosette of kidney-shaped leaves, while the second-year plant can grow multiple stems up to four feet high with triangular, sharply-toothed leaves. Four petaled, white flowers are present from May-June.
Impact
With an early spring jump on native plants, this invader dominates forest understories. It releases chemicals harmful to soil fungus important to native trees.
Prevention and Control
Mechanical
Small infestations of garlic mustard can easily be managed using manual control techniques. Dig or pull up the entire plant, taking care to remove the entire root system. Plants should be removed before seed set, which typically occurs by mid-July. Bag and remove all plant parts from the site. Solarize garlic mustard by placing bagged plant material in the sun for at least two weeks and then dispose of it in an approved landfill. Do not compost invasive plant material.
Chemical
Garlic mustard can be effectively treated with a foliar spray of glyphosate- or triclopyr-based herbicide. Selectively apply herbicide to second-year plants at least two weeks prior to seed set. First year rosettes can be treated in early spring or late summer, when other native species are dormant.
