Differentiate between giant hogweed and meadow hogweed - that's how it works
The sooner you dangerous Identify giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), the easier it is to control it. If, on the other hand, meadow hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) appears in your garden, there is no need to worry. Since these two species are common in Central Europe, the following table clarifies the most important distinguishing criteria:
also read
- Is every hogweed poisonous? - How to tell the difference
- Fighting hogweed successfully - this is how you remove giant hogweed correctly
- Which hogweed species grow in Germany?
| Identifying features | Giant hogweed | Meadow hogweed |
|---|---|---|
| Poisonous | Yes | no |
| Height | 150 to 300 cm | 50 to 150 cm |
| Stem growth | hollow, little furrowed with red spots | hollow, angularly furrowed, without a reddish color |
| leaves | 3 to 5 parts, 100 to 300 cm long | unevenly lobed, blue-green, slightly hairy |
| Flower shape | Double umbels with a diameter of 30 to 50 cm | plate-shaped single flowers as double umbels with a diameter of 25 cm |
| Flower color | white to pale pink | white to cream |
| Heyday | June to July | June to September |
Giant hogweed is permeated by a poisonous sap that is not contained in meadow hogweed. If the toxins come into contact with the skin, the natural UV protection is deactivated. Even a few rays of sunlight or the light of a lamp lead to chemical burns and burns. The symptoms range from itching to severe blistering.
Fight poisonous hogweed with protective clothing
If your garden is struck by giant hogweed, you should remove the uninvited guest as quickly as possible. The plant spreads invasively with up to 30,000 seeds. This is how you control the Hercules shrub correctly:
- Put on protective clothing and go to work on an overcast day
- Put a plastic bag over each inflorescence or seed
- Dig up giant hogweed and its roots
- Burn plant residues or throw them in the garbage can
Concentrate on the vegetation cone because the poisonous plant keeps sprouting out of it. With the spade prick the roots about 10 cm below the surface and lift them out of the ground. Remaining root remnants rot in the earth.
Tips
Were you able to identify a poisonous giant hogweed on the basis of the characteristics explained while taking a walk? then Report Please contact the responsible regulatory or environmental authorities for the location. Notification is not required by law, but it could prevent harm to the health of inexperienced children and prevent further spread.
