This week we have been participating in invasive species management and pulling garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata).

Garlic mustard is an invasive plant that was brought to North America as an edible herb. It displaces native plants such as trilliums (Trilliums sp.), wood poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum), and even fungi. Garlic mustard also disrupts soils and the understory of forests. When they die, they alter the rate of leaf litter decomposition, which changes the natural cycle of the ecosystem. 

The plant can be identified from the strong garlic smell it gives off when crushed, as well as the dark-green, kidney shaped leaves in first year plants. Older plants have sharp, triangular leaves with kidney shaped leaves around the bottom and they bloom white flowers in the spring.

How can you help?

• Do not use invasive plants when gardening 
• Stay on trails when hiking
• Get familiar with the appearance of garlic mustard
• If disposing of invasive species, do not compost them or place them in areas where they could grow. Instead, place them in your garbage.

Have you seen or smelled garlic mustard before? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!