Heel stick

Hedge Garlic (also known as Jack-by-the-hedge, Garlic Mustard, or Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northwest Africa, but has become an invasive species in other parts of the world, including North America and New Zealand.

Description

Hedge Garlic is a herbaceous plant that grows to heights of 30–100 cm (12–39 in). The leaves are alternate, 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long, triangular to heart-shaped, and have a strong garlic smell when crushed. The flowers are small, white, and produced in spring in dense clusters at the ends of the stems.

Distribution and habitat

Hedge Garlic is found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, hedgerows, and roadside verges. It prefers damp, shaded areas and is often found in the understory of deciduous forests.

Uses

The leaves, flowers, and fruit of Hedge Garlic are edible and have been used in traditional European cuisine. The plant has a strong garlic flavor and can be used in salads, soups, and sauces. It has also been used in herbal medicine for its antiseptic and diuretic properties.

Invasive species

In regions where it is not native, such as North America and New Zealand, Hedge Garlic can become an invasive species. It can outcompete native plants for resources, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

See also

• List of invasive species
• Garlic
• Mustard plant