Giant hogweed in the garden poses a danger, especially for children and pets. For this reason, it must be eliminated. This article tells you how to fight giant hogweed and what you need to be aware of.

In a nutshell

  • Giant Hogweed is a poisonous, invasive plant
  • fighting it is not easy
  • protective clothing is mandatory
  • only digging up the root helps in the long term
  • Herbicides are not permitted for private use

recognize giant hogweed

  • botanical: Heracleum mantegazzianum
  • Synonym: Hercules shrub
  • originally located in the Caucasus
  • biennial
  • Plant takes on imposing outgrowths
  • grows on rubbish dumps, at the edges of forests, in gardens
  • upright growth, large spiny leaves
  • forms umbelliferous flowers with countless seeds

Necessary combat

The giant hogweed is an invasive species that crowds out native growth. In addition, the plant is poisonous and even touching the perennial can lead to skin irritation. This is because of ingredients that react with sunlight and cause burns. The sequence of skin damage is as follows:

  • The plant is touched. This usually does not lead to problems, except for very sensitive people or sensitive skin areas.
  • The person comes into contact with UV radiation. The earlier the affected areas of skin come into contact with sunlight, the more dangerous it is. However, the sun can still cause damage days later.
  • Symptoms then appear about a day after exposure to the sun's rays. These include redness, burns, blistering.
  • The wounds heal badly. Further UV exposure can make it worse.
  • If plant sap gets on your skin, wash it off over a large area and do not expose to the sun for at least three days. See a doctor if you experience burning, itching, or redness.

measures

The most important requirement for fighting giant hogweed is the right clothing. This includes not only long-sleeved clothing made of sturdy fabric, but also goggles and thick gloves.
Timing the action is also important. The sun shouldn't shine. An overcast, rainy day is best. Or they work in the evening after the sun has set.

detach plant

  • Apart from protective clothing, sharp tools are required
  • spades or knives are suitable
  • best time in spring
  • Plant is then still young and small
  • cutting deep is important
  • to do this, partially expose the plant shoot and roots
  • If possible, do not injure the plant itself
  • Cut the root at least 15 cm deep, preferably even deeper
  • Dispose of the separated piece of root in the household waste
  • It is best to leave the hole in the ground open
  • remove new sprouts as well
  • it may take a while for the plant to be completely destroyed
It is best to remove giant hogweed when they are young.

herbicides

  • protective clothing is also important when using herbicides
  • Only carry out or have carried out with proof of expertise
  • best time for half-tall plants with not too much leaf mass
  • Only use herbicide for this purpose
  • avoid damaging other plants
  • remedies that are absorbed through the leaves work best
  • Treat planters exactly as directed by the agent
  • part of the root may survive
  • new shoots must then be treated again

Remove seeds

  • for this control, the plant must first grow and flower
  • Wear protective clothing, use knives or other sharp cutting tools
  • the best time is when the main flowers have faded but the seeds are not yet ripe
  • secure the umbels with a plastic bag
  • this prevents seeds from falling out
  • Cut off the umbels, not forgetting the side umbels
  • collect all cut off plant parts and throw them in the garbage
  • Leave the rest of the plant, it will wither by itself

Inappropriate measures

  • Devices that increase the risk of the sap being widely distributed
  • anything that allows the seeds to spread
  • thermal treatments before flowering, the roots sprout again
  • superficial hooking or mowing

Free-growing giant hogweed

The local regulatory office is responsible for controlling wild-growing plants of the giant hogweed or, if available, specially set up registration offices. They then regulate the removal of the plants on site.

frequently asked Questions

How to distinguish bear's claw from similar plants?

Due to their size, mature plants cannot be confused. The situation is different for young plants that can be confused with native species, such as the meadow hogweed. This has a stem that has no reddish spots.

Do animals eat the giant hogweed?

In fact, some sheep and goats eat the plant, but only if they have to. She doesn't harm them. Constant grazing can be very effective against plant populations.

Can giant hogweed be useful?

In fact, the countless flowers are a good pasture for bees. Since the mother plant dies anyway after flowering, it makes sense to only limit the spread before the seeds are ripe.

Category:

Garden maintenance