Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande)

Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)

Synonym(s): Hedge Garlic, Mustard Root

Base Flower Color: White
Reproductive Phenology: Mar , Apr ,May
Notes: According to Invasive.org, Garlic mustard has displaced vast areas occupied by native spring wildflowers like spring beauty (Claytonia virginica), wild ginger (Asarum canadense), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), trilliums (Trillium species) and toothworts (Cardamine). Three native butterfly species, the West Virginia white (Pieris virginiensis), mustard white butterfly (Pieris oleracea), and the falcate orange-tip (Anthocharis midea annicka), are especially impacted when garlic mustard displaces toothworts, its host plants. Chemicals in garlic mustard are toxic to the larvae of the native butterflies. Other chemicals have been found to affect mychorrhizal fungi associated with native trees, resulting in suppression of native tree seedling growth.

For more information about this plant, Click Here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Discover more from What's Blooming Now!

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading