Alliaria petiolata
Description
Garlic Mustard belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is not related to Garlic but to Mustard and also to Horseradish.
Alliaria petiolata grows either biennially or perennially and can reach a height of up to one meter. In Central Europe, the flowering period lasts from April to July.
Distribution/regions
Alliaria petiolata is native to the most parts of Europe (Northern Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe). Its area of distribution reaches as far as Africa (Northern Africa) and Asia (Caucasus, Western Asia, Middle Asia, Eastern Asia, tropical Asia).
In North America, it is considered to be an invasive plant.
Alliaria petiolata grows along roadsides, in meadows, woods, along hedges, in parks and gardens.
It can also survive on nutrient-poor sites, but remains smaller there than in humus-rich soil.
Uses
Young leaves and shoots can be used raw as a culinary herb. They can also be prepared like spinach, but lose some of their flavour when cooked.
Pollinators
Garlic Mustard can pollinate by itself, but is often visited by flies, bees and beetles.
Common names
Dutch
Look-zonder-look
French
Alliaire Officinale, Herbe à Ail
German
Knoblauchsrauke, Gemeines Lauchkraut, Knoblauchskraut
Italian
Alliaria comune
Portuguese
Erva-alheira
Spanish
Aliaria, hierba del ajo
Categories: Herbs | White flowers | Wildflowers |
