May 2020 • Nebraskaland 43
also spread via waterways. The infestation at Indian Cave
appears to have originated from seed that washed down the
Missouri River during fl oods, she said.
In addition to these advantages, garlic mustard has none
of its natural "enemies" in North America, therefore no
insects, fungi nor diseases to control its populations. Debby
Kleinstein of Columbia University wrote that, in Europe
where garlic mustard originated, more than 30 insects attack
its leaves, stem and seeds; specialist herbivores also use
garlic mustard as a food source.
The plant has few if any benefi ts to wildlife in North America.
Brueggemann noted that while native pollinators might
fi nd garlic mustard useful in spring, fl owers are gone by mid-
June. Also, garlic mustard's tendency to create monocultures
outcompetes native plants, eliminating food sources that
would otherwise benefi t pollinators and other wildlife.
"This is why biodiversity is so important," said
Brueggemann. "Deer tend to nibble on garlic mustard once in
a while, but we don't see a signifi cant amount of herbivory on
it."
Methods of Control
Methods of controlling garlic mustard include herbicides,
pulling mature plants by hand and the use of prescribed
fi res. Brueggemann urges land managers to limit herbicide
treatment to fall or winter to lower the chances of overspray
and killing nearby native plants, which have gone dormant.
Plants pulled by hand should be hauled out and disposed
where seeds can't spread later on; better yet, make a pile
and burn it onsite. Although pulling garlic mustard is time
consuming, it ensures the removal of the seed source and
When controlling garlic mustard by prescribed fi re, following up the second year is imperative
to knocking back second-year growth and reducing seed production.
