How to Remove Garlic Mustard

It's garlic mustard season, and that isn't a good thing. Garlic mustard is an extremely invasive plant that is taking over our forests and choking out native plants. Early spring is the perfect time to remove it, but there are some tips you should keep in mind when doing so:

1. Properly identify the plant. Look for 4 small white petals and leaves that smell like garlic when crushed (see photo).  It is best to remove garlic mustard in early spring, before the plant has seed pods that are viable. If you remove it when it has mature seeds, they will spread everywhere. Immature seed pods (siliques) are green and turn brown as they mature. 
2. Cut the stem at the base of the plant. There is research showing that this new method has advantages over simply pulling out the roots. Why? Because it doesn't disturb the soil and doesn't spread seed. But the key is to wait until the siliques start to form (see photo). That means it's a good time to remove the plant with the cutting method.
3. Bag it! Be sure to put the cut plants in a bag, seal it tight and throw it away.

Garlic mustard is one of many invasives we must focus on removing. Right now is the perfect time for removal.

Want to help us remove it in our parks? Sign up to volunteer.