Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaGarlic mustard is an aggressive invasive biennial that forms dense colonies and crowds out native plants. It produces small white flowers in spring and has heart-shaped leaves that smell like garlic when crushed. This European species should never be planted intentionally as it damages local ecosystems.
In an HOA neighborhood
Garlic Mustard takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Invasive species banned in many jurisdictions
- Spreads aggressively to neighboring properties
- Can look weedy and unkempt
Wildlife value
While it may attract some bees and beetles, garlic mustard provides poor wildlife value compared to native alternatives and actively harms native plant communities that wildlife depends on.
Common questions
- How much sun does Garlic Mustard need?
- Garlic Mustard grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Garlic Mustard bloom?
- Garlic Mustard blooms in April, May, and June.
- What pollinators does Garlic Mustard attract?
- Garlic Mustard draws bees and beetles.
- Is Garlic Mustard HOA-friendly?
- Garlic Mustard takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Garlic Mustard? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz