Jack-by-the-Hedge
Alliaria petiolata
HerbsIN SEASONJack-by-the-Hedge
Alliaria petiolata
Hedgerow base, woodland edge, shaded paths
All Identification Points
Heart-shaped to kidney-shaped toothed leaves
Mild garlic-mustard scent when crushed
White four-petalled crucifer flowers in April–May
First-year rosette of rounded leaves; second-year stem grows tall
Long thin seed pods (siliques) follow the flowers
Harvest Notes
Young leaves best in spring before flowering. Older leaves become progressively more bitter.
Uses
Fresh in salads and sandwiches, pesto, sauce for lamb, stuffing.
Equipment Needed
Scissors, bag.
Storage
Use within 2 days. Does not keep well.
Lookalikes
No dangerous lookalikes. The garlic-mustard scent and four-petalled white flowers are distinctive.
Relative Nutrition
Where to Find It
Avon Gorge footpath edges and Snuff Mills hedgerow bases are reliable spots from February.