Garlic Mustard a Problem Disc Golfers Can Help Solve
- hydeparkdiscgolf
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
At first glance, garlic mustard might seem harmless leafy green on the edge of the fairway. But this seemingly ordinary plant is one of the most aggressive invasive species in the Midwest, and it’s on the Jackson Park Disc Golf Course.
As disc golfers and park lovers, we spend more time in these natural areas than most. That gives us a unique opportunity to help protect the park we play in.
What is Garlic Mustard?
Garlic mustard is a fast-growing, shade-tolerant plant that was brought to North America in the 1800s for food and medicinal purposes. It spreads rapidly in forests and disturbed areas along trail edges and fairways. While native to Europe, it has no natural predators here, which means it grows unchecked and can quickly dominate an area.
You’ll recognize it by its scalloped leaves, white four-petal flowers (blooming right now), and when crushed emits the strong smell of garlic.
Why It’s a Problem on the Disc Golf Course
Garlic mustard isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It actively disrupts the balance of the local ecosystem:
It outcompetes native wildflowers like trillium, columbine, and bluebells by monopolizing sunlight, space, and nutrients.
It releases chemicals into the soil that prevent other plants and fungi from thriving through a process called “allelopathy.”
It reduces food and habitat for insects and animals that rely on native plant species.
At Jackson Park, we’ve worked hard to restore native prairies and woodland areas around the disc golf course, including the newly designated Wacker Woods. Garlic mustard threatens that progress, turning vibrant natural areas into monocultures devoid of plant diversity.
How You Can Help
The good news? You can help stop garlic mustard and only need your own two hands.
Pull it out: Garlic mustard is a biennial, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle. Pulling it before it sets seed (usually May–June) is the most effective way to stop its spread. Grab the plant at the base and remove the entire root.
Don’t compost it: Once pulled, bag it and throw it in the trash. Composting can spread the seeds.
Join a volunteer day: Hyde Park Disc Golf regularly hosts invasive species removal days our nest one is May 31st, It’s Your Park Day.
Learn what to look for: Once you can identify garlic mustard, you’ll see it everywhere. Start small, every handful makes a difference.
A Course Worth Protecting
Our course at Jackson Park isn’t just a place to throw discs, it’s a shared space where nature and recreation meet. The course is like a garden, the more love we give it the better the course plays and the more it grows.
Next time you’re walking from Hole 10 to 11 or waiting for Chad to throw one more, take a look at the plants underfoot. If you spot garlic mustard, consider taking a few seconds to remove it. You’ll be helping our course grow and thrive.
Want to join our next volunteer event? Follow @hydeparkdiscgolf on Instagram/Facebook or visit hydeparkdiscgolf.com/events to get involved.
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