Description: Garlic mustard is a widespread weed species in Michigan. It is established but is not yet widely spread on the Upper Peninsula. It is capable of invading shaded forest areas as well as more open woodlands. First year leaves are kidney shaped in a basal rosette, second year leaves are triangular, toothed, and alternate. There is usually only one flowering stem per plant which can grow up to 4 feet tall. All parts of this plant smell like garlic.

Garlic mustard out competes native plants for light, moisture, nutrients and space. A single plant has the capability of invading a large area by its ability to self pollinate and produce thousands of seeds.

Long term management is necessary for areas infested with garlic mustard because seeds can remain viable in the soil for over five years. Hand removal is the most effective form of control for garlic mustard.

            
Garlic Mustard flower, rosette and understory invasion
images 1 & 2 by Jil M Swearingen, NPS; 3 by Victoria Nuzzo, Natural Area Consultants - forestryimages.org

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