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WARREN, Pa. — On Thursday, April 25, 2024, a group of seven volunteers removed 24 lawn bags full of garlic mustard from the Buckaloons Recreation Area at the Allegheny National Forest’s annual garlic mustard pull.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive plant species native to Europe that was introduced in the 1800s for herbal uses. Garlic mustard is a fast-spreading plant that crowds and outcompetes native species for sunlight, moisture, and vital nutrients.
“Over roughly 20 years, there has been a significant reduction in the amount of garlic mustard and other non-native plants through volunteer efforts at Buckaloons. This area is home to some of Allegheny National Forest’s rarest plants like large toothwort and white trout lily,” said Non-Native Invasive Program Manager, April Moore.
Garlic mustard can be identified by its triangular, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and white four-petal flowers. It’s best to pull the plant during flowering before they produce seed. Pull at the base of the plant, removing the entire root. Be sure to bag and dispose of pulled plants, as they will continue to flower and drop seeds after pulled.
For questions about garlic mustard and other invasive species, contact Moore at [email protected] or 814-728-6186.
