Giant hogweed is also known as giant hogweed or bear's claw. Giant hogweed comes from the Apiaceae family and is originally from the Caucasus. The plant first appeared in Europe in 1985.
Giant Hogweed / Giant Hogweed
The giant hogweed can reach a height of up to three meters. The stem is darkly spotted and has fine hairs that are found all over the plant.
The diameter of the stem is between two and ten centimeters, depending on the overall size of the plant. The green leaves of the giant hogweed are generally one meter long. The relatively large flowers usually have a diameter of 30-50 centimeters.
A giant hogweed plant can contain up to 80.000 individual flowers. The flowering period is from June to the end of July. The white flowers have a maximum diameter of 2 centimeters and grow wider apart towards the top. Because the hairy white leaves look very similar to the feet of bears, the plant was given the name bear's claw.
After the seed coats of the fruit have formed, the plant dies. If the plant does not ripen, it can easily survive for several years. The seeds of the giant hogweed remain highly viable for years.
The giant hogweed does not grow in acidic soil. Otherwise, it is very undemanding and only needs a little sun to survive for years.
Giant hogweed contains what are known as furocoumarins, which cause skin reactions after contact with the skin. Even brief contact with the leaves can be enough to cause the skin to redden considerably. In more serious cases, blisters can even form on the skin. These are very painful and easily become inflamed, and can cause first and second degree burns. In addition to skin irritation and weeping blisters, fever, circulatory problems and sweating can also result. These reactions can last for weeks.
What to do after contact with giant hogweed
If you have come into contact with the plant, you should wash the affected areas of skin thoroughly with soap and water. If skin irritation occurs, you should consult a dermatologist immediately so that appropriate treatment can be administered.
Meadow hogweed
In contrast to giant hogweed, cow parsnip is native to Europe. Giant hogweed is primarily found on banks and ditches and prefers to grow on moist, loose soil. Visually, both plants look very similar. When the plant is young, there is less risk of poisoning yourself.
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