Garlic Mustard Invasion

(Above image from http://ontariowildflowers.com/mondaygarden/article.php?id=54)


While participating in the Earth Day clean-up of Glenorchy, volunteers were dismayed to find Garlic Mustard has invaded the area. These two pictures are just a small portion of the problem.





Garlic Mustard is considered a "Problem Weed" by the Ontario Government (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/hortmatt/2005/10hrt05a4.htm)




Garlic Mustard was introduced by early pioneers and has now spiralled out of control. It is also known by the following names: "Alliaria petiolata, hedge garlic, sauce-alone, jack-by-the-hedge, poor man's mustard, jack-in-the-bush, garlic root, garlicwort, mustard root."

Here's the description from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs:

"First-year rosettes with kidney-shaped green leaves with scalloped edges grow close to the ground. The flower stalks grow 2 to 3-1/2 feet tall with clusters of small white flowers, with four petals in the shape of a cross. Seeds are produced in erect, slender, four-sided pods, called siliques, beginning in May. Siliques become tan and papery as they mature and contain shiny black seeds in a row. By late June, most of the leaves have faded away and garlic mustard plants can be recognized only by the dead stalks with pale brown seedpods that may remain and hold viable seed through the summer."

Why is this such a problem? Garlic Mustard competes with native species; "like spring beauty, wild ginger, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, hepatica, toothworts, and trilliums, stealing light, moisture, nutrients, soil and space. Wildlife and insects that depend on these early plants for food soon disappear."

Dealing with and disposing of Garlic Mustard is no easy task. When pulling it, the roots should be removed. With so many seeds, it's important to carefully dispose of the weeds in a black garbage bag. DO NOT put plants in the compost bin or leave them lying out as the seeds remain viable. The garbage bags should be left in the sun for up to six months to fully eliminate further germination of the seeds.

More information from http://ontariowildflowers.com/mondaygarden/article.php?id=54:


"Garlic mustard has infested 29 states and southern Ontario. It does it by soaking up the rays all winter while the competition is dormant under ground. It stays low (as pictured) through its first winter, taking advantage of the insulating snow, warmth of the earth, and winter sun. Then it shoots up 2’ to 3’, with clusters with white or pink cross-shaped flowers in May. By July, it’s gone, leaving only the upright, banana-shaped seed pods characteristic of the mustard family."

"Curiously, the experts aren’t sure how garlic mustard spreads. They know you can’t blame it on the birds or the wind. While the plant makes thousands of seeds that remain viable for years, they fall close to the parent. The white-tailed deer helps by clearing ground that garlic mustard then can take over. But how does it move from site to site? Best guess is animal traffic."

and here is further information from the Ontario Wildflowers site:

"Getting rid of it: There are similar-flowered native plants, so first check a crushed leaf for the garlicky smell. Then pull it up, making sure to get all of the root, or keep it cut to the ground so it can’t flower. Herbicides and fire are also used (this is a cure?). Whatever, keep it up for at least five years. Meanwhile don’t put the roots or seeds in the compost or garbage; place them in a black plastic bag in the sun for several months to sterilize. (Since this it what it takes to kill the stuff, you can see why garlic mustard is winning)."


Halton Conservation has been contacted in order to determine what (if any) plans they have to deal with the issue of Garlic Mustard in Glenorchy. Updates will be posted.








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