Knowledgebase
White snake root #868644
Asked May 15, 2024, 10:11 PM EDT
Ottawa County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
White snakeroot, Ageratina altissima, has many plants that look similar. Are you able to send a few photos, so we can properly identify the plant?
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=agal5
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/white-snakeroot
If is it A. altissima, this is a native species that is only toxic if eaten. Is there a reason you are trying to remove the plant? Knowing your goals with what you are attempting to do with your site would be helpful for advising on management. Are you trying to remove these plants in order to establish a garden bed, other reasons? Let me know and I'd be happy to advise.
On May 16, 2024, at 10:27 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank you for sending those pictures. What you have there is Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata. It is an exotic invasive plant in Michigan and many other areas across the US. It is not toxic, though, it's actually edible.
Since this is considered an invasive species, it would be a good idea to control this plant. Garlic mustard is a biennial, meaning it grows for only 2 years and is not reproductive (flower and seed producing) until it's second year of growth. The plants can be easily hand-pulled, but will re-root and could drop seeds if left outside. It's recommended that you bag this plant and dispose of in the trash.
Here are some resources where you can read further about this plant:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/garlic_mustard_may_be_michigans_worst_woodland_weed
On May 17, 2024, at 10:13 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: