Invasive Species In Saugatuck

City of Saugatuck's Invasive Species

GARLIC MUSTARD

Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant.  It's a biennial herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years, and it invades forests and woodland areas, outcompeting native plants.

Remedy

• Hand pulling is most effective on small infestations and first-year plants.  Ensure you remove the entire root system, including the taproot, to prevent regrowth.  Pulling is best done in the spring or early summer before seeds mature.  Dispose of pulled plants in garbage bags, not compost, as they will continue to produce seeds.

Disposal

• After removing garlic mustard plants, whether by pulling or cutting, properly dispose of them.  Do not compost garlic mustard; it will continue to mature seeds even when pulled.  Bag and dispose of plants with regular gargage.