Knowledgebase
Ground Cover(?)/Weed Identification Request #752985
Asked May 30, 2021, 6:24 PM EDT
Macomb County Michigan
Expert Response
I am thinking this is from the RANUNCULACEAE (BUTTERCUP) FAMILY -Petals small, about the same length as sepals; basal leaves usually heart-shaped (glossy); plants glabrous. Also looks like the early stage of garlic mustard or ground ivy too!!
Could you send me a close-up image of a leaf? If there are small flowers associated with this weed send me an image of that also.
Can you dig out a small sample and send me an image of the roots/stolons also
Make sure that all these images are close up - THANK YOU!!
Bill,
This appears to be very healthy Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). A very invasive and environment changing plant. Garlic Mustard is a biennial and what you have is the first year rosette. To verify, crushing the leaves should give an onion/garlic odor. Check out the following links for details on the plant and its control:
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/ipm/Invasive_species/garlic_mustard/about_garlic_mustard
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/garlic_mustard_may_be_michigans_worst_woodland_weed
I hope this is helpful.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 3, 2021, at 9:24 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
You are welcome - Have a great day!!