Garlic Mustard is a
native
biennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, hedgerows and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 100cm.
Garlic Mustard takes its name from the smell of garlic given off when the plant's leaves are crushed, and its identity as a member of the same family as mustard. The plant is unrelated to the culinary garlic (Allium sativum).
Botanic classification and naming: Garlic Mustard is a member of the Cabbage (Brassicaceae) family. The genus name
'Alliaria' identifies the plant as a Alliaria Mustard and its species name 'petiolata' means 'plant with leaf stalks'.
Concerns: Garlic Mustard can be difficult to control as each plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can remain viable for many years and have a very high germination rate. This has caused particular problems in countries where the plant has been introduced and there are no natural predators to keep numbers in check.
Benefits: Garlic Mustard is mainly pollinated by bees and flies. It also provides nectar for butterflies. The caterpillars of the Orange Tip butterfly feed on its flowers and seed pods and many insect larvae also feed on its leaves.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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