But it’s what might happen in that hundred years that worries the authors of the study. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a cool-season biennial herb that may reach up to 4 feet in height at maturity.Both the stems and leaves have a strong onion and garlic odor when crushed. Garlic mustard has two distinct life stages over its first two years. Garlic mustard also produces root exudates that inhibit the growth of important soil fungi and leaf chemicals that kill native butterfly larvae that feed on the plant. The Problem. In the first year, it grows only a cluster of leaves shaped like a rosette, while a strong root system develops. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is also known as Poor Man’s Mustard, Hedge Garlic, Garlic Root and Jack-by-the-Hedge.It is an invasive plant found throughout the Northeastern and Midwestern US as well as Southeastern Canada. Garlic mustard is edible and is used in its native range for a great variety of dietary and medicinal purposes. Since then, it has spread across most states, including Missouri. In 2006, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes realized that we had a big garlic mustard problem. Considered the ‘purple loosestrife’ of woodlands, garlic mustard steals light, moisture and nutrients from other native plants.Its aggressive, rapid growth allows it to form a dense carpet of foliage, blocking light from other low-growing plants, including tree seedlings. No surprise on the latter! Because garlic mustard seeds are numerous and very small, they are easily spread through a number means. The outside of the mustard flower has four sepals, usually green. Most importantly it is generating electricity—at least 1/3 of the amount we use. Garlic mustard is a biennial plant in the mustard family. In many areas, garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is controlled by pulling, poisoning, and/or burning, due to its invasive nature.Controlling it by eating it is rarely mentioned, but it is a cruciferous vegetable, in … The flower itself has four petals usually arranged in the shape of a cross. Garlic mustard seeds seem to be spread by animals, by flowing water and by human activities. Origin and Expansion. Stands of garlic mustard can double in size every four years. Garlic mustard is one of very few non-native plants to be able to successfully invade forest understories. The Root of the Problem: Garlic Mustard It’s a classic tale of being careful what you wish for. It is believed that garlic mustard was introduced into North America for medicinal purposes and food. Why is Garlic Mustard a Problem? It is also frequently found near disturbed areas like trails, hedgerows, shaded roadsides, and forest edges. Garlic mustard is an invasive, non-native plant that can take over a forest floor, crowding out native plants, including wildflowers. In addition, the roots of garlic mustard are thought to produce a toxin that kills soil fungi many plants depend on. Learn more about Garlic Mustard. It is capable of growing in dense shade and occasionally in full sun. A biennial plant, it doesn’t bloom until its second year, at which point it rises to 1 to 3 feet tall and produces small white flowers. Garlic mustard is an invasive herb native to Europe. Garlic mustard flowers are easy to recognize. The Natural Resources Specialist at the time realized how tasty garlic mustard can be as a pesto, and the first Pestival was born! As a high school student in Germany I went hiking with my classmates in the early spring woods. Plants that survive the winter produce flowers and hundreds of seeds in their second year. The cost to remove garlic mustard is not a fixed number, as it has not been calculated yet, but the number is sure to be in the millions. Learn more about Garlic Mustard. The immigrants were unaware of the future devastation that would result. The flower of this wild edible only appears from May to June. The invasion of garlic mustard in North America has caused many problems.