You probably won’t even notice the garlic mustard plant even though it can grow up to 4’ tall.  It is unobtrusive and grows mostly in the woods.  It does well in poor soil and in shady conditions.

One way to identify it is by the garlicky odor it gives off when you crush the leaves or stems.

This plant is listed on the NJ Invasive Species website.  It crowds out native plant species – some of which are endangered.  It also replaces plants that native wildlife depends on for food. 

It can accomplish its take-over of the environment through its allelopathic effect.  That means it gives off chemicals that act as plant-killers for other plants or at the very least, make it difficult for them to thrive.

This plant is very easy to pull out by hand.  Please destroy any plants you see!

Never compost any invasive plants as you will spread any seeds present. Bag it carefully and place in the trash.