Garlic mustard is an exotic invasive plant from Europe that invades woodland habitats in North America and impacts forest biodiversity. In some woodlands, dense stands of garlic mustard in the spring threaten showy spring blooming ephemerals like spring beauty, trilliums and trout lilies. Other research points toward potentially negative impacts on timber species and forest health. Many land managers consider it to be one of the most potentially harmful and difficult to control invasive plants in the region.

This site is intended to help you identify garlic mustard and learn about its biology, potential impacts and management. It is also the gateway for information on Michigan State University's garlic mustard research program.

Recent postings:
View pdf article: Pre-release monitoring of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) invasions and the impacts of extant natural enemies in southern Michigan forests.

Update on garlic mustard biological control. From The Landscape Alert Vol. 22, No. 6 May 18, 2007.

View pdf file of 2005 Progress Report: Evaluating the Potential for Biological Control of Garlic Mustard in Michigan.

NEW: Video about identifying garlic mustard by In-site Video for Wisconsin Family Forests.

Webcast on garlic mustard hosted by the Stewardship Network. April 9, 2008.