West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (WMSWCD) needs your help to identify and treat Garlic Mustard, an extremely invasive and noxious weed that has the potential to cause significant ecological and economic costs in Multnomah County.  WMSWCD is particularly interested in landowners and residents in western unincorporated Multnomah County at this time.

This biennial plant sprouts in a rosette form throughout its first year, and through March or April of its second year.  The plant typically ¨bolts¨ around April when it produces clusters of tiny white, four-petal flowers.  At the peak of its growing season, the plant can reach heights of 2 to 3.5 feet.  The plant will ¨go to seed¨around June, releasing thousands of seeds that remain viable for up to five years.  It is critical that Garlic Mustard is controlled before it reaches that stage.  

In small patches, Garlic Mustard is most easily controlled by hand-pulling; grip the plant as close to the root as possible to ensure that the entire root is removed.  Garlic Mustard must be placed in bags after being pulled so that it will not re-sprout.  In western Multnomah County, Garlic Mustard has been most commonly found along roadsides in the West Hills and in moist, heavily shaded forested areas.  If hiking anywhere in the West Hills in late May through July, avoid taking pets that can transport viable seeds, and  clean the outside of your shoes thoroughly before leaving the area.  

Help WMSWCD protect your land and our natural resources for years to come. If you have any information regarding Garlic Mustard locations, or if you need assistance identifying or treating this invasive weed, please contact Mary Logalbo at (503) 238-4775 x103 or mary@wmswcd.org.