Garlic mustard first introduced for medicinal purposes
Q. While doing some weeding and spring clean up around my property, I dug something that smelled like garlic. What is it, and can I eat it?
A. Not having seen the plant you removed, I'm not certain, but my guess is you dug up a garlic mustard plant (Alliaria petiolata).
One of the characteristics of garlic mustard is the garlic odor produced when its leaves are crushed. Garlic mustard is considered an invasive herb. Introduced in this country for medicinal properties and food, it originated from Europe and parts of Asia. The earliest reports of its growth in the U.S. date back to 1868 in New York. Since then it has spread throughout most of the country with its presence noted in all but eleven states according to the USDA Invasive Plants Atlas.
It is considered an invasive species because it has the potential to choke out native plants by competing for light, water and nutrient resources. Furthermore, it releases chemicals which inhibit soil fungi on which many other plants rely.
Garlic mustard has a biennial life cycle, meaning it requires two years to mature and produce seeds. During the first year, seeds germinate in February and early March and grow into a short rosette.
During the second year, it develops a stalk on which flowers form. Seedpods form in May and the plant dies by June. These highly adaptable plants are capable of cross-pollination as well as self-pollination.
A healthy plant can produce upward of 7,900 seeds that usually germinate within two years, although they can remain viable for up to five years. These seeds can be easily dispersed by wildlife or humans carrying the seeds.
If you are interested in eating garlic mustard, you may want to join a group organized to remove the plant. In addition to helping with its control, many groups share recipes for pestos, soups, salads, roulades, frittatas and the like.
The thing to remember, however, is that if this plant becomes established in your environment, it will be difficult to eradicate. Personally, I would suggest you remove any plants you see prior to their setting seed.
Hand-pulling the plant with its entire root is effective as is pulling flowering or seeding plants. Both should be put in a bag and discarded in the garbage (not compost!).
Herbicide control may be useful for areas of large, dense infestations. However, use extreme care and follow directions on the product label.
- Mary Moisand
• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines. Call (847) 298-3502 or email northcookmg@gmail.com.