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Invasive Species:
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard is
a European woodland plant introduced to North America by
early settlers for its culinary and alleged medicinal qualities.
In North America , European insects and diseases that control
the plant's population are not present. Garlic mustard starts
growing earlier in the season than our native plants, and
outcompetes them. It also produces large quantities of seed.
For these reasons, garlic mustard spreads rapidly in wooded
areas, forming tall, dense stands that smother native wildflowers,
and native tree and shrub seedlings. It can overrun a forest
floor in a few years, destroying a previously healthy ecosystem
by eliminating many plant species. In addition, animals,
birds and insects that depended on a diversity of plant
species for food and shelter can then no longer live in
the infested area.
For
more information
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For Horticulture Help:
Mark
Mayer