Bear claw in the garden - fight promptly instead of reporting
In Germany there are no plants that are notifiable. Therefore, occurrences of giant hogweed or other poisonous plants are not subject to official reporting. If the Hercules shrub spreads cheekily in your garden, it is your personal decision how you proceed with the plant. In view of the poisonous Sap and the associated health risks, we recommend that you combat them promptly. How to act correctly:
- Best date: an overcast day in March or April
- Put on protective overalls including face and head protection as well as gloves and boots
- Cut off above-ground plant stems
- Dig up roots to a depth of at least 20 cm
- Burn all plant residues or throw them in the garbage can
- Carry out a follow-up check after 3 weeks
also read
- Fighting hogweed successfully - this is how you remove giant hogweed correctly
- Stay away from hogweed - the plant is that dangerous
- Confusion cannot be ruled out - these plants look similar to hogweed
Since the high-growth Hercules shrub sprouts again from the smallest remains of roots, the soil is separated from the light supply for a few months. To do this, spread out weed or pond liner, which is covered with gravel, earth, or bark mulch.
Please report occurrences in fields and forests
There are increasing reports of painful accidents involving children with giant hogweed. The imposing plant with its beautiful flowers and red speckled, hollow stems magically attracts little explorers. Unsuspecting, adult hikers are also increasingly becoming victims of the aggressive wild shrub. We therefore ask you to report every occurrence of Hercules in the wild to the environmental or nature conservation authority. Although the plant does not have to be reported, with this prudent, responsible act you prevent the further spread of the floral invader and prevent further accidents.
Tips
Please do not let the warnings about hogweed mislead you into destroying every umbelliferous plant immediately. A multitude of harmless plants look remarkably similar to the Hercules shrub. These include edible wild perennials such as field chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) or sweet umbels (Myrrhis odorata) as well as traditional medicinal plants such as forestAngelica (Angelica sylvestris).
