Alliaria petiolata aka Garlic Mustard

Taxonomy

Genus Alliaria Family Brassicaceae Order Brassicales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Alliaria petiolata, commonly known as garlic mustard, is a biennial herbaceous plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is native to Europe, western and central Asia, north-western Africa, Morocco, Iberia, and the British Isles, with its range extending north to northern Scandinavia and east to northern Pakistan and Xinjiang in western China. The plant is easily recognizable by its garlic odor, which is present when any part of the plant is crushed. In the first year of growth, it forms clumps of round, slightly wrinkled leaves that smell like garlic when crushed. The plants flower in the spring of the next year, producing cross-shaped white flowers in dense clusters. As the flowering stems bloom, they elongate into a spike-like shape. When flowering is complete, plants produce upright fruits that release seeds in mid-summer. Garlic mustard is often found growing along the margins of hedges, giving rise to the old British folk name of jack-by-the-hedge. Other common names include garlic root, hedge garlic, sauce-alone, jack-in-the-bush, penny hedge, and poor man's mustard. The genus name Alliaria, "resembling Allium", refers to the garlic-like odor of the crushed foliage. Garlic mustard is one of the oldest spices used in Europe, and in 17th century Britain, it was recommended as a flavoring for salt fish. It can also be made into a sauce for eating with roast lamb or salad. Additionally, it is an invasive species in many parts of North America, where it was introduced as a culinary herb in 1860, often found in damp hedgerows, edges of woods, and shady places.

Common names

Garlic Mustard, Jack By The Hedge, Hedge Garlic

How to care for Garlic Mustard

Difficulty

Garlic Mustard presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Garlic Mustard should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garlic Mustard loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Garlic Mustard thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Hedge Garlic.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

The Garlic Mustard displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Garlic Mustard’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa and east to W. Asia and the Himalayas.

More info:
Wikipedia

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