Report hogweed occurrence or not? - So do the right thing

Report hogweed occurrence or not? - So do the right thing

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 up to you to decide how to handle the plant. In view of the poisonous plant sap and the associated health risks, we recommend that you combat it as soon as possible. How to act correctly:

  • The 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 remains or throw them in the garbage can
  • Perform a follow-up check after 3 weeks

also read

  • Fight 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. For this purpose, 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. Even though the plant does not have to be reported, you prevent the further spread of the floral invader with this prudent, responsible act and prevent further accidents.

Tips

Please do not let the warnings about hogweed mislead you into immediately destroying every umbellifer. 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 angelica (Angelica sylvestris).