Recognizing giant hogweed is very important in order to be able to correctly and specifically remove the plant with the botanical name Heracleum mantegazzianum. Because burns from the giant hogweed are painful and dangerous.

In a nutshell

  • characteristic coloring of the stem at the lower end
  • stands out because of its size
  • Contact with the sap is particularly dangerous
  • Giant Hogweed contains phototoxic substances
  • Burns can be severe

size

In the first year, only a low rosette of leaves appears, which is hardly noticeable in natural corners. Only from the second year does the growth in height increase enormously. Heights of three to five meters are possible.

flowers and fruits

The flowers of the giant hogweed are distinctive and comparatively easy to distinguish from other plants. The characteristics include, among others:

  • Flower color is white
  • Flowering period from June to July
  • double umbels
  • Total size of the inflorescences up to 50 centimeters
  • Size of each flower from 0.4 to 2.0 centimeters

In addition to these points, it is striking that the flowers in the center are significantly smaller than the specimens on the edge. In addition, there can be up to 8,000 of them on one plant. This is how the giant hogweed is easy to spot.

They produce fruiting bodies, each containing two seeds. It is therefore possible that after maturation twice as many seeds are produced and immense dispersal takes place. It is therefore important to remove at least the flowers as soon as possible.

stem

The stems also have distinctive features and can help identify giant hogweed. They are:

  • measures up to 10 centimeters in diameter
  • hollow
  • provided with spikes
  • violet spots at the bottom
  • has grooves

Sap, Leaves & Roots

To avoid being burned by giant hogweed, you need to know that all parts of the plant are poisonous. This includes:

  • leaves
  • blossoms
  • sap
  • stem
  • root
Source: Michael Apel, Heracleum mantegazzianum caulis, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Notice: Even if it is often claimed that only the juice is poisonous, this is not the case. Although this contains the highest amount of phototoxic substances, simply touching the leaves is enough to cause a burn.

removal and disposal

In order to eliminate the Giant Bear Claw and be safe yourself in the process, you first need appropriate protection. This should consist of the following items:

  • tight and strong garbage bags
  • gloves
  • protective suit
  • goggles or visor
  • spade
  • Telescopic pruning shears

Then proceed as follows:

  1. Side shoots and flowers: Shorten the protruding plant shoots piece by piece. This allows you to keep the parts small and to dispose of them more easily.
  2. stem: Do the same for this. Cut the stem piece by piece. This offers more safety and simplifies disposal. If pruning shears are not enough, you can also use a saw.
  3. Root: Bear claw burns are also possible due to contact with the roots. They must therefore also be removed. Dig up the root ball completely and discard with the soil.
  4. Disposal: You should not put the clippings on the compost due to their toxicity. Instead, dispose of it well packaged with household waste.
  5. Cleaning: Rinse and disinfect the cutting tool and your protective clothing afterwards. Otherwise, the sap can still cause burns.

Tips: The earlier you identify and remove the growth, the easier the process will be. If necessary, you can also get information from the nature conservation association and ask for help.

To keep the effort as low as possible, you can put a garbage bag in a bucket or bucket. This makes it possible to insert the cuttings easily and quickly and directly with the cutting tool.

signs of burns

Giant hogweed burns are more than uncomfortable. They cause great pain and can lead to scarring. Typical symptoms are:

  • blistering
  • Burn
  • redness
  • pains
  • swelling

However, these reactions do not always occur immediately. Since it is a plant with phototoxic substances, the signs only appear after the skin has been exposed to additional sunlight. There can therefore be a delay of several hours or even days before the first signs appear.

Giant Bear Claw burns are not to be taken lightly. See a doctor immediately and cool the wounds.

frequently asked Questions

Is the Riesenbärenklau notifiable?

No, there is no obligation to do so. Nevertheless, it makes sense to inform the community and thus be able to warn others before it spreads widely. In addition, the Naturschutzbund can help to correctly identify the plant and in some cases even remove it.

Does the Giant Bear Claw have to be fought?

Even if it is in an area inaccessible to children and pets, you should get rid of it. Otherwise, the two- to three-year-old plant will continue to spread.

How long are the seeds of the giant hogweed germinable?

The dangerous plants can multiply and spread through their seeds for several years. Therefore, carry out the removal at the latest at the beginning of flowering.

Category:

Garden maintenance