Giant Bear Claw really deserves its title "Poisonous Plant of the Year 2008". The majestic hogweed species is poisonous and causes significant health problems after mere skin contact. Reason enough to familiarize yourself here with the distinguishing features of the nasty plant in comparison with harmless meadow hogweed.

Giant hogweed is poisonous even if it comes into contact with skin

Distinguish between giant hogweed and meadow hogweed - this is how it works

The sooner you identify the dangerous giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), the easier it is to combat it. If, on the other hand, meadow hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) appears in your garden, there is no reason to worry. Since these two species are common in Central Europe, the following table clarifies the most important distinguishing criteria:

identifying features Giant Bear Claw Meadow Bear Claw
Poisonous Yes no
growth height 150 to 300 cm 50 to 150 cm
stem growth hollow, slightly grooved with red spots hollow, angularly furrowed, without reddish coloring
leaves 3 to 5 parts, 100 to 300 cm long unequally 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 Bear's Claw has a poisonous plant sap flowing through it, which is not found in Meadow Bear's Claw. If the toxins come into contact with the skin, the natural UV protection is overridden. 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.

Combat poisonous hogweed with protective clothing

If your garden is infested with giant hogweed, you should remove the uninvited guest as quickly as possible. With up to 30,000 seeds, the plant spreads invasively. How to fight the Hercules shrub correctly:

  • Put on protective clothing and go to work on an overcast day
  • Put a plastic bag over each flower or seed head
  • Dig up giant hogweed along with its roots
  • Burn plant residues or put them in the garbage can

Concentrate on the vegetation cone, because this is where the poisonous plant keeps sprouting. With the spade, dig out the roots about 10 cm below the surface and lift them out of the ground. Remaining root fragments rot in the earth.

tips

On a walk, were you able to identify a poisonous giant hogweed based on the characteristics explained? Then please report the location to the responsible regulatory or environmental office. Although reporting is not required by law, it could prevent damage to the health of inexperienced children and prevent further spread.

Category:

Herbs