It may look harmless, but garlic mustard is very damaging to our natural environment. The roots of this invasive plant secrete chemicals that inhibit the growth of native species and allow it to outcompete native wildflowers and even small tree seedlings. Garlic mustard also endangers native pollinators such as butterflies. Because Garlic mustard grows taller than native host plants, in mixed stands butterflies can mistakenly lay their eggs on garlic mustard where their larvae are unable to develop. Additionally, garlic mustard’s abundant seed production allows for the plant to quickly spread throughout the forest and further outcompete our native wildflowers for resources. Each plant can produce 7,000 seeds! Garlic mustard isn’t deep-rooted so it’s easy to pull, especially in damp soil. Just take hold of the stem near the bottom and pull up the entire plant. Bag it and put it in the trash. Do not compost. The time is now, before the plants set seed in early June.  

For more information about New Britain Township's EAC, please visit Environment Advisory Council. 

The EAC meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the Township Building. The public is encouraged to attend. 

If you wish to contact us or receive a monthly informational email, please write to eac@nbtpa.us.