Alliaria petiolata Garlic mustard (Cruciferae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Alliaria petiolata
Garlic mustard
(1 Page of 5)

The Alliaria petiolata plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Cruciferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Garlic mustard. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. officinalis. Erysimum alliaria. Sisymbrium alliaria.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Alliaria petiolata
Common Name:  Garlic mustard
Family:  Cruciferae
Author:  (Bieb.)Cavara.&Grande.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.4

Habitat:  Damp hedgerows, edges of woods and other shady places, preferring basic soils[7, 13, 17, 244].

Medicinal Information: The leaves and stems are antiasthmatic, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, vermifuge and vulnerary[4, 7]. The leaves have been taken internally to promote sweating and to treat bronchitis, asthma and eczema[4]. Externally, they have been used as an antiseptic poultice on ulcers etc[4], and are effective in relieving the itching caused by bites and stings[244]. The leaves and stems are harvested before the plant comes into flower and they can be dried for later use[238]. The roots are chopped up small and then heated in oil to make an ointment to rub on the chest in order to bring relief from bronchitis[245]. The juice of the plant has an inhibitory effect on Bacillus pyocyaneum and on gram-negative bacteria of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group[240]. The seeds have been used as a snuff to excite sneezing[4].

For further Alliaria petiolata gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future