Tree of Heaven and Garlic Mustard
Tree of Heaven and
Garlic Mustard are two alien
invasive species that can be found along the south half of the Loop
Trail. The Tree of Heaven not only outcompetes native trees, its
roots also exude a chemical that poisons plants trying to germinate in
its shadow --- a trait known as allelopathy, which may be familiar to
people who have tried to plant a garden near a Black Walnut. Tree
of Heaven quickly forms dense stands in open areas and is extremely
difficult to eradicate since the trees will resprout from their stumps
if cut and will also spread rapidly through wind-dispersed seeds.
The tree is easily identified by its divided leaves and by the foul
odor given off by broken twigs.
Although Tree
of Heaven is troublesome, Garlic Mustard has Appalachian ecologists
terrified. This little plant does not seem very dangerous at
first glance, and its leaves are tasty to nibble on as you walk down
the trail. But unlike most of our invasive species that die back
as soon as a mature forest begins to shade the forest floor, Garlic
Mustard is able to invade dense forests where it overruns our stunning
displays of early spring ephemerals. In many moist forests in our
region, the ground is now covered by a nearly unbroken stretch of
Garlic Mustard. The best offense is a good defense --- if you
notice a few Garlic Mustard plants in your woods, be sure to pull them
up before they go to seed. More dense stands of the invasive
require multiple years of mowing, pulling, or even herbicide treatment
before they are fully eradicated.
Not
pictured:
Garlic
Mustard
Scientific
Name: Alliaria petiolata
Family:
Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Habitat:
Moist to wet woods
Blooms:
May to June
Origin:
Europe
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