Plant Identification

Garlic Mustard
(Alliaria petiolata)

Fact Sheet , Management , Distribution

Garlic mustard is a biennial herb that invades deciduous forest communities,
particularly partially-shaded moist habitats.

First year growth

Second year growth

Plant and flower

Identification Tips

•  Emerges in late spring and flowers in early summer.

•  First year plants form basal rosettes (4 inches tall); leaves are kidney shaped.

•  Second year plants produce flowering stems (2-4 ft tall); leaves are large-toothed, triangular, and alternate.

•  Flower stalks may be single or double branched with white flowers.

Common Native Look-Alike Plants

Common Field Mustards