Alliaria petiolata (M.Bieb.) Cavara & Grande
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard, also known as Jack-by-the-hedge or hedge garlic, is a familiar native biennial of the cabbage family. In its first year it forms a rosette of kidney-shaped, scalloped leaves; in its second it sends up tall stems carrying small, four-petalled white flowers.
About
Garlic mustard, also known as Jack-by-the-hedge or hedge garlic, is a familiar native biennial of the cabbage family. In its first year it forms a rosette of kidney-shaped, scalloped leaves; in its second it sends up tall stems carrying small, four-petalled white flowers. Crush the heart-shaped foliage and it releases an unmistakable garlicky scent, which gives the plant its name and once made it a useful wild flavouring.
It thrives in the dappled shade of hedge bottoms, woodland edges, verges and shady banks, on moist, fertile soils. Flowering from spring into early summer, it is an important early nectar source and, crucially, the main food plant for the caterpillars of the orange-tip and green-veined white butterflies, whose eggs are often laid on the flower stalks. A vigorous self-seeder, it is best suited to naturalistic shady corners and woodland-edge mixes rather than tidy borders.
Also known as
Hedge Garlic · Hedge mustard · Hedge-garlic · Jack-by-the-hedge · hedge garlic
Synonyms
Alliaria aculeolata · Alliaria alboi · Alliaria alliacea · Alliaria alliaria · Alliaria fuchsiae · Alliaria fuchsii · Alliaria mathioli · Alliaria officinalis · Alliaria officinalis grandifolia · Arabis alliaria
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.