MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Department of Natural Resources says the recent warm weather has given invasive plants an early start.
DNR plant specialists say people should especially keep an eye out for garlic mustard, a plant that smells like garlic and has four small white petals. The plant can completely take over entire forest floors, displacing trilliums and other wildflowers.
The DNR says landowners and land managers accustomed to pulling up garlic mustard in April and May may have to start earlier. The plant's seed pods likely will mature by mid-May.
The agency says pulled plants need to buried, burned or sent to a landfill. If they're left out in the woods or piled in a driveway they'll continue to grow and produce seeds.
