When home gardeners learn the German name when purchasing Acanthus mollis, all alarm bells ring. The decorative wild perennial from the Mediterranean region is called True Bear's Claw. Consequently, the question is obvious whether the pretty acanthus plant poses a similar danger as poisonous hogweed.
The True Bärenklau is a medicinal plant
Acanthus mollis is not poisonous
The botanical taxonomy sometimes causes confusion when the scientific names are translated with German folk names. Acanthus mollis is a shining example. Records from the 16th century show that the Mediterranean wild perennial was called Bärentappe by the Middle High German vernacular. In the further course of time, the current name True Bear Claw, more rarely Soft Bear Paw or Soft Bear Claw, developed from this.
Native hogweed species, such as meadow hogweed or giant hogweed, come from the genus Heracleum, some of which contain poisonous species. Notwithstanding the verbal confusion, the all-clear can be given regarding toxic levels in Acanthus mollis. The plant poses no threats, such as the dangerous giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
True Bärenklau - the forgotten medicinal plant
In the distant past, Acanthus mollis was one of the officinal medicinal plants. This classification means that every pharmacy had to stock the plant. The remedy was probably available in various forms for internal and external use. The list of traditional uses is long, as the following excerpt demonstrates:
- Effective for respiratory diseases, such as cough, cold or flu
- Relieves sprains, gout or bruises
- Beneficial for wounds, burns or scalds
tips
With its magnificent flowering candles, True Bear's Claw (Acanthus mollis) is the perfect candidate for the sunny perennial bed in a natural garden. A light protection from leaves and needles is enough for the impressive ornamental plant to survive the Central European winter unscathed.