Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive herb that has spread all across the United States, becoming one of the worst invaders of forests in the Midwest and Northeast (NYIS, 2018). A. petiolata is a member of the cabbage family. The plant can be identified by the distinct garlic smell it produces when crushed. Leaves on mature plants are toothed and triangular shaped, becoming smaller toward the top of the plant. In May, small white flowers with 4 petals will grow at the top of the stem (NYIS, 2018). A. Petiolata is commonly found in the undergrowth of disturbed woodlots and forested areas (NYIS, 2018). The species reproduces only by seeds. The seeds are easily dispersed by humans or animals carrying the seeds (NYIS, 2018).
