Alliaria petiolata

Abstract

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herb that invades forested colllinunities and edge habitats, where it spreads rapidly and apparently displaces native herbaceous species, often within ten years of establishment. The plant has no natural enemies in North America, and is difficult to eradicate once established. Thus, the best and most effective control method for Alliaria is to prevent its initial establishment. In shaded and partially shaded communities lacking Alliaria the preferred method is to monitor annually, and remove all Alliaria plants prior to seed production. Once Alliaria is established, the management goal is to prevent seed production until the seed bank is depleted, potentially 2-5 years.

Parent Publication

• Exotic pests of eastern forests conference proceedings

Citation

Nuzzo, Victoria. 1998. Alliaria petiolata. In: Britton, Kerry O., ed. Exotic pests of eastern forests conference proceedings; 1997 April 8-10; Nashville, TN. U.S. Forest Service and Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council: 55-61.