Garlic Mustard / Jack-By-The-Hedge (Alliaria Petiolata) seeds

Garlic flavour from the dappled shade

Garlic mustard is an interesting native wild plant from the crucifer family and is therefore related to species such as field mustard and shepherd’s purse. It prefers to grow along woodland edges, beneath hedges, in thickets, along paths and in natural gardens and parks. In its first year, it forms a low-growing rosette of heart- to kidney-shaped, coarsely toothed leaves that are slightly reminiscent of nettle leaves. In its second year, it develops upright flowering stems, usually 20 to 100 cm tall, with small white flowers and long, narrow seed pods.

Its distinctive garlic scent, which is released when the leaves are crushed, is particularly characteristic. Depending on the season, its flavour is reminiscent of garlic, cress or mild mustard. Young leaves and shoots can be used raw in salads, on bread, in herb butter, pesto or other cold dishes. Some of the typical aroma is lost during cooking. The white flowers and young seed pods are also edible and have a spicy garlic flavour. The crushed, oil-rich seeds can be used to make an aromatic herb mustard.

A traditional wild herb for the kitchen and household

Garlic mustard has a long history of use as a seasoning and wild vegetable. Archaeological finds suggest that its seeds were already being used to flavour food several thousand years ago. During the Middle Ages, this readily available wild herb was a valuable seasoning plant, particularly for the rural population, and served as a native alternative to expensive spices. Today, garlic mustard is being rediscovered in modern wild herb cuisine.

The roots are also said to be suitable for use. Particularly when the plants have grown in nutrient-rich garden soil, the unpeeled roots can be used in a similar way to horseradish. In addition to its use as a seasoning, salad green and wild vegetable, garlic mustard can also be used as a dye plant.

A valuable food plant for butterflies and other insects

From April to June or July, the small white flowers appear, providing nectar and pollen for various insects. This native shade plant is particularly valuable for the orange-tip butterfly and several other butterfly species. It serves the orange-tip butterfly not only as a source of food, but also as an important food plant for its caterpillars.

In suitable locations, garlic mustard readily reproduces by self-seeding and may spread more extensively over time. Anyone wishing to limit its spread should remove the long seed pods before the seeds have fully ripened.