These articles are written to apply to the northeastern corner of Illinois. Problems and timing may not apply outside of this area. This is garlic mustard, which has become a major weed problem in northern Illinois in the past few years that is choking out native plants. Garlic mustard prefers shade areas.
Garlic mustard is a native species to Europe that was introduced by early settlers.
This plant is a biennial, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. When the leaves are crushed, they have a distinct garlic smell. The plant grows quickly in spring and produces clusters of small, four-petalled white flowers. Flowers develop into narrow seed capsules or pods. These capsules produce hundreds of seeds.