Let's take a look at some invasive species that are causing problems locally. Garlic mustard a European native, has
become a problem in several areas in United States. It's a cool season plant, blooming at midspring. It prefers moist, shady
areas at the edge of woods along roadsides. It thrives in the same habitat as a number of native midspring bloomers such
as spring beauty, wild ginger and trillium. Garlic mustard threatens these native species because it aggressively competes
with them for light, nutrients and space. The presence of the garlic mustard also threatens many local animals that depend
on the leaves, roots, flowers and pollen of the threatened native plants as a food source.
The West Virginia white butterfly is particularly vulnerable to invasion by garlic mustard. The plant pushes out certain
native species of mustard which constitute the major food source for the caterpillar stage of this rare butterfly. In addition,
garlic mustard may contain chemicals which are toxic to the butterfly's eggs. It has been observed that eggs laid on garlic
mustard leaves do not hatch. Garlic mustard was introduced to the United States in the nineteenth century as a food
source and may have medicinal uses as well. It was first recorded on Long Island but now thrives throughout the Eastern
and Midwestern United States.
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