Alliaria petiolata

Garlic mustard, Jack-by-the-hedge, Hedge garlic

Also known as Alliara officinale, Sisymbrium alliara

Height × spread: 1m × 0.5m
Position: Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
Hardiness: Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
Flowers: Spring, Summer

Availability

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Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.

About this plant

A British and European native that enjoys moist, preferably shady positions. It often reaches a metre in height and a colony stands proud with conical, toothy edged leaves with crinkled surfaces. There are dome-shaped clusters of simple white flowers from April to June. If crushed, leaves have the scent of garlic. It can be eaten, the young leaves being added to salads or used with mint leaves to make a sauce. The leaves can be cooked or eaten raw. It has a range of medicinal uses including gout and rheumatism, as well as aiding skin conditions.

Flower colour: White
Foliage colour: Green
Variegated: No
Scent: No
Shape: Column
Height: 1m
Spread: 0.5m
Season of interest: Spring, Summer
Flowers in: Spring, Summer
Evergreen: Deciduous
Garden style: Herb garden

Found in

Colours for 2026 - Cloud Dancer & Blues › White flowers Herbs, edibles & vegetables › Herbs - for cooking Pet-friendly outdoor plants › Pet-friendly herbs Plants to attract bees and other pollinators › Bees - Spring flowers Plants to attract bees and other pollinators › Bees - Summer flowers