Can cause severe burns: the highly poisonous plant is now blooming in Germany in July
It is now blooming all over Germany and can lead to shortness of breath and severe burns on the skin: we are talking about giant hogweed. We reveal how you can recognize the poisonous plant and what you should do if it is growing in your garden.
Originally introduced as an imposing ornamental plant from the Caucasus in the 19th century, the giant hogweed has long since spread among us in the wild. The problem: The plant is very poisonous, even minimal contact can have serious health consequences for us.
The plant, also known as Hercules shrub, not only displaces other plants, but also leads to strong allergic reactions when exposed to sunlight when it comes into contact with the sap. Children in particular are at risk, warns the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU).
Giant hogweed: symptoms range from itching to shortness of breath and fever
The juice of the giant hogweed contains the toxin furocoumarin, which causes allergic reactions even in small amounts: Depending on the intensity of the contact and your personal constitution, the symptoms range from reddened skin and itching to swelling, fever and circulatory problems. Doctors warn against inhaling the fumes of the herbal toxin. The consequences can be nausea, but also shortness of breath.
If the sap gets on the skin, the affected areas must be washed immediately with soap and water. As a precaution, face and hands should be protected with a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and the sun should be avoided for a few days. If there are skin reactions anyway, those affected are better off going to the doctor. It should be noted that the skin reaction often only becomes visible after two to three days.
Giant hogweed in your own garden – what now?
The giant hogweed, up to four meters high, can be recognized by its white flower umbels with a diameter of up to 100 centimeters, the deeply incised leaves and the knotty stalk up to 10 centimeters thick
When removing, the flower umbels must first be chopped off. This must be done very carefully, as otherwise seeds can fall off and ripen, according to NABU. Therefore, the cones must not be disposed of on the compost.
The rest of the plant needs to be chopped off. The root should be cut to a depth of about 15 centimeters. If the vegetation has already spread far, mowing makes the most sense. However, this must be repeated several times at an interval of about ten days, as flowers can form over and over again.
Contact with sap – this is how you react correctly
Long clothing, gloves and face protection are a must during the work, which is done at dusk or when it is cloudy, if possible. According to NABU, anyone who comes into contact with sap splashes should wash the affected areas of skin thoroughly with soap and water, rub in sunscreen and avoid spending two to three days in the sun. In the event of severe reactions, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
(With dpa material)
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Categories: General