In England, garlic mustard is actually native and known locally as "Jack-by-the-hedge" or "hedge garlic." It grows well in disturbed soils affected by industrial pollution, where other native plants may struggle.
The plant has cultural significance in British folk medicine and herbalism, where it was traditionally used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. It's also an important food plant for the caterpillars of several native butterflies, including the orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines), which relies heavily on garlic mustard as a larval host plant.
In England, garlic mustard is actually native and known locally as "Jack-by-the-hedge" or "hedge garlic." It grows well in disturbed soils affected by industrial pollution, where other native plants may struggle.
The plant has cultural significance in British folk medicine and herbalism, where it was traditionally used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments. It's also an important food plant for the caterpillars of several native butterflies, including the orange-tip butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines), which relies heavily on garlic mustard as a larval host plant.
