Knowledgebase

Ground Cover(?)/Weed Identification Request #752985

Asked May 30, 2021, 6:24 PM EDT

Dear MSU Extension. We have this new plant growing in our yard. We believe it’s a weed but it has a nice look. It seems like a ground cover Thanks Bill Vergin

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!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2021, 5:42 PM EDT
Dear MSU Ext,

Thanks for the quick reply.  I am attaching additional pictures which should help.  BTW- the leaves are rather large.  Also, I could not see any flowers. I added a scale to the pictures.

Thanks again,

Bill Vergin
imageimageimageimage

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 1, 2021, at 5:42 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2021, 7:24 PM EDT

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:

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 03, 2021, 9:24 AM EDT
Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 3, 2021, at 9:24 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2021, 1:10 PM EDT

You are welcome - Have a great day!!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 03, 2021, 5:23 PM EDT

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