With its majestic stature, giant hogweed would be a magnificent ornament in a natural garden. Unfortunately, natural beauty has a dark side that makes fighting it inevitable. The introduced Bear Claw species is venomous and prone to invasive spread. These instructions explain how to successfully combat and properly destroy the hogweed.

As the name suggests, Giant Bear Claw is huge

The best time is in spring when it rains

In March and April, giant hogweed has not yet reached its impressive height, making it easier to control. Ideally, the chosen date will be rainy or at least overcast without sunshine. The poisonous plant is particularly dangerous when your skin comes into contact with the plant sap and sunlight.

Remove bear's claw - this is how you fight the poisonous plant with expertise

The linchpin for the competent disposal of giant hogweed is the protection of your health. Every inch of your skin must be protected from coming into contact with the toxic plant sap. Well prepared, remove the uninvited guest from your garden and never see him again. That is how it goes:

  • Cut off above-ground, expansive plant parts waist-high in advance
  • With a sharp spade, cut the rootstock 10 to 15 cm deep
  • Lift the rootstock out of the ground with the digging fork
  • Cover the root disc with black foil to speed up the rotting of the root residue

If you only find out about giant hogweed during the summer flowering period, wrap all the blossoms and seeds in plastic bags before you start fighting them. In this way you effectively prevent invasive spreading through self-seeding.

Destroy plant remains - you should pay attention to this

The remains of Bärenklau have no place on the compost heap. From here, the roots or needy seeds make their way back into your garden. If permitted in your area, burn the clippings. Alternatively, dispose of plant parts and root remains in the garbage can.

Regular follow-up checks ensure that small remains have not survived the fight and will sprout again.

tips

In the early stages of growth, dangerous giant hogweed is not easily distinguishable from harmless meadow hogweed. If in doubt, take a look at the lower plant area. Characteristic of the poisonous Hercules perennial are reddish spots at the end of the stem, which cannot be found on the meadow hogweed.

Category:

Herbs