The toxicity of a single Bear Claw species puts the entire genus under general suspicion of being dangerous to humans and animals. This guide clears up the prejudice and explains the most important distinguishing features between poisonous and harmless hogweed.

The giant hogweed is poisonous

Giant Bear Claw - skin contact can cause burns

When Giant Bear Claw is in full bloom, the ornamental value is undeniable. The satanic side of natural beauty, on the other hand, is almost invisible in the form of toxic plant sap. Even light contact with the plant can cause second and third degree burns.

What is treacherous is that the painful symptoms of poisoning only appear under the influence of sunlight. It starts with intense itching. The skin then turns red to black and blisters.

Distinguishing toxic from harmless - this is how it works

In order to recognize the dangerous candidate among the Bear Claw species, the following two distinguishing features between poisonous Giant Bear Claw and harmless Meadow Bear Claw are in focus:

  • Giant Bear Claw thrives with red speckled, hollow stems
  • At a height of up to 300 cm, Poison Bear Claw towers above all harmless conspecifics

Flowering time gives another indication of whether you are dealing with poisonous or harmless Bear Claw. Giant Bear Claw flowers only from June to July. The heyday of native meadow hogweed, on the other hand, extends from June to September.

tips

If a poisonous giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) has crept into your garden, you should remove the intruder as soon as possible. In contrast to its harmless conspecifics, the uninvited guest tends to spread invasively by self-seeding. Please approach the floral aggressor well protected with overalls, boots, gloves and eye protection.

Category:

Herbs