Garlic mustard - Alliaria petiolata (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Garlic mustard

Alliaria petiolata, colloquially known as garlic mustard is a herbaceous biennial plant known for the garlic aroma and smell of its crushed leaves. It can be found in partially shaded and moist places like woodland edges, trails, hedges, and roadsides. Leaves of garlic mustard are used in European cuisine as a spice herb for salads and sauces.

Scientific classification

Species

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

Mustards, capers, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Biennial, Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

40 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

1.5 mm to 3.5 mm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Black, Silver, Copper, Gray

Fruit Color

White

Flower Color

Green, White

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Garlic mustard

Distribution of Garlic mustard

Distribution Map

Garlic mustard is native to regions spanning parts of Europe and Asia, where it grows in a variety of habitats. In certain areas outside its native range, such as in some parts of the Southern Hemisphere, garlic mustard is thought to be invasive and may have an impact on local ecosystems. Its ability to spread beyond its native territory highlights the adaptability of garlic mustard, though it also raises ecological concerns where it competes with native species.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Damp hedgerows, Edges of woods, Shady places, Basic soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Protection, Healing, Purification

Interesting Facts

In its native habitats across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, many herbivores and insects feed on the flavorful Alliaria petiolata. But in North America, where the plant has been introduced and declared an invasive species soon after, garlic mustard is toxic or unpalatable to many native herbivores, including the butterflies of the Lepidoptera genus. With no natural enemies in North America, garlic mustard causes great damage to the environment.

Name Story

Garlic mustard: This plant produces a dense amount of crisscross-shaped white flowers with wrinkled leaves. The genus name, Allaria comes from allium and it is worth knowing the fact that crushed leaves have a garlic-like odor. In fact, all of the parts in the plant emit garlic-like odor. When it is consumed as spices, it gives a mixture of garlic and mustard taste. Thus, it is called garlic mustard.

Jack-by-the-hedge: This unique name is actually derived from his growing habits because it often grows near hedges. Hence, it is called Jack-by-the-Hedge.

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Toxicity

Garlic mustard contains precursors to hydrogen cyanide, which is highly poisonous. It affects the heart, lungs, and nervous system, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and potentially death. Garlic mustard is mildly toxic to cats and dogs, causing gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities. Immediate veterinary care is essential if pets ingest garlic mustard.

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Weed Control

Garlic mustard is a biennial flavorful herb which is edible and widely used in various dishes. However, it spreads rapidly in gardens and forest understories, and is considered a weed in some countries.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of garlic mustard is in early spring, before the plant has a chance to set seed. Here are a few organic or interesting methods to remove or control this plant:

Hand pulling: Uproot the plant by grasping it at the base near the soil level and pull upward gently to extract the entire root system. No tools are needed, just a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands.
Smothering: Lay cardboard or any non-see through material over the area covered by garlic mustard. Keep the material in place for an entire growing season to suffocate the plant.
Plant competition: Planting native ground cover plants in the area can help outcompete garlic mustard for resources.
Biological control: Certain insects such as the Garlic Mustard Root Weevils can be introduced into the area. They feed specifically on the seeds of garlic mustard thereby limiting its spread.
Solarizing: Cover the area with a clear plastic sheet during the hottest months of the year. The heat trapped under the plastic will kill garlic mustard by baking the soil.

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Quickly Identify Garlic mustard

Distinct round to heart-shaped leaves with coarse, toothed edges emit a garlic odor when crushed.

Clusters of small, cruciform white flowers with four petals in elongated racemes from spring to early summer.

Distinctive four-sided pods, 1 1/2 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) long, containing glossy black seeds.

Smooth, green stems up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall, occasionally with fine hairs on 2nd-year plants.

Herbaceous biennial with a low rosette in the 1st year, tall stems up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in 2nd year.

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Care Guide for Garlic mustard

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from woodlands, garlic mustard thrives in moist, well-drained soil, requiring consistent moisture without waterlogging. For optimal growth, it needs weekly watering. As an herbaceous biennial, its growth cycle aligns with water availability, peaking during ample rainfall.

Propagation: The best time to propagate garlic mustard is Spring via sowing. It has easy propagation difficulty, with success indicated by seed germination and vigorous growth. Maintain sufficient soil moisture during the germination process for optimal results.

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Images of Garlic mustard

Distribution of Garlic mustard

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Garlic mustard

Care Guide for Garlic mustard

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