GARLIC MUSTARD, Alliaria petiolata
Also commonly called:   Garlic Root, Hedge Garlic, Sauce-alone, Jack-in-the-bush, Penny Hedge and Poor Man's Mustard.  It is native to Europe, western and central Asia, and northwestern Africa. 

Garlic Mustard is an invasive weed in our area, which spreads by seed and is difficult to control once established.  Additionally, this weed is allelopathic (produces chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants and mychorrizal fungi).  It typically grows about 3' tall, and features small, white 4-petaled flowers.  Plants often smell like garlic, especially when leaves are crushed.

Control:  The most effective way to remove this weed is hand pulling, as long as you pull the entire root system as well.  Flowering or seeding plants must be bagged and discarded in the trash (not composted). 

If you need help controlling this invasive weed or any others, please let us know!