RACHEL LEATHE/ THE COURIER

A cluster of invasive Garlic Mustard flowers on Sue Richardson's property outside of Ottumwa on Thursday evening. The plant has been deemed a "serious threat to Iowa's Woodlands" by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources due to its ability to spread rapidly and effectiveness at choking out native fauna. The Iowa DNR urges homeowners to remove the plant from their property all together if possible or to at least remove the flowering heads from the plants to prevent the spread of seeds.