Many plants are only poisonous if they are inadvertently eaten. But there are also weeds, the mere touch of which can lead to health problems. It is therefore important to remove poisonous weeds in the garden consistently and properly.
Giant Bear Claw is highly toxic
In this article you will learn how to:
- Giant Bear Claw
- Ragwort
- Datura
recognize and deal with appropriately.
Giant Bear Claw
These plants, which are increasingly spreading in gardens and green areas, are also known as Hercules perennials. Dangerous is the toxin from the furocoumarin series, which has a phototoxic effect and causes very painful blisters on the skin. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
External features
The giant hogweed reaches a height of between 2.5 and 4 meters. The middle stem is about 10 centimeters thick and is spotted red. The white umbels of flowers, which can reach a diameter of 50 centimetres, appear from June to September.
The fight
- If you discover a Hercules shrub in your garden, you should remove it as soon as possible. This ensures that it does not spread and spread further.
- When doing this work, be sure to wear protective clothing, which should also cover your face, or get help from a specialist.
- Simply mowing is not enough, as the plant can sprout again at the base of the shoot several times a year. Therefore, first cut back the Hercules shrub and then dig it out completely.
- Check regularly and consistently remove any growing bear's claw.
Attention:
The meadow hogweed, which is increasingly spreading in many meadows, is very similar in appearance to the giant hogweed, but only grows to 1.20 meters. It is also toxic and can trigger meadow dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Ragwort
This yellow flowering poisonous plant has been spreading to meadows, pastures and gardens for several years. All parts of the plant contain a liver-damaging toxin that remains effective in hay. It is not excreted by the body and can accumulate, for example when honey is consumed, and insidiously damage the liver.
External features
Ragwort forms a flat rosette of leaves in the first year. From this, the yellow umbels of flowers develop in the second year, which are visually reminiscent of small daisies. The most important distinguishing feature are the 13 green bracts with black tips. The ragwort grows 30 to 100 centimeters high.
The fight
- If you discover isolated plants in the garden, you should weed them mechanically.
- Ideally, this is done in the first year, before the Ragwort begins to bloom.
- Also remove the roots completely.
- Don't let the lawn get too tall. If it is mowed before flowering, it usually lacks the strength to sprout again.
- Dispose of dead plant parts in the household waste and do not feed them.
Datura
This weed is not that common in our gardens. However, if the thorn apple is left standing, it proves to be extremely persistent. The toothed leaves and the white, funnel-shaped flowers are characteristic. Seeds and roots contain the highest concentration of poison.
Remove the plant mechanically at an early stage and dispose of it in the household waste.
tips
Be sure to wear gloves when gardening, as skin contact with poisonous plants can cause painful irritation. This applies not only to the hogweed, but also to some popular but poisonous ornamental plants.