Giant bear claw with high risk of burns

Hercules shrubs attack the skin and should be removed carefully
The Giant Bear Claw (also called Herkulesstaude) has massively expanded in many regions of Germany, which certainly brings risks to human health. Itchy rash with redness and blistering may be the result of contact. Experts advise to eliminate occurrences of the Giant Bear Claw, however, there are some details to consider in order to take no risk and to ensure efficient removal of the unwanted crop.

According to the Saarland Chamber of Agriculture, the giant hogweed "poses great health risks for humans." Because the plant sap contains photosensitizing substances (furanocoumarins) that override the natural UV protection of the skin. After contact with the plants, the skin becomes much more sensitive to sunlight and can cause mild to severe burns. The result is redness, inflammation and blistering. The skin damage in sunlight can be observed up to three days after contact. Often, the healing process also takes a long time (several weeks). Furthermore, the giant hogweed may have a toxic effect on animals such as cows or ducks.

The spread of the Giant Bear Claw in Germany is rated extremely critically by experts. (Image: TwilightArtPictures / fotolia.com)

Giant bear claw in Germany original no native plant
As a so-called neophyte, the giant hogweed is not one of the native plant species. According to the Saarland Chamber of Agriculture, in the 19th century it was imported from the Caucasus as an ornamental plant. Thanks to its enormous seed production of 10,000 to 50,000 pieces per plant, the giant hogweed in this country was able to proliferate. Also, its high adaptability and buoyancy of seeds have promoted the massive spread. As a plant of the family of the so-called Umbelliferae (Apiaceae), the giant hogweed makes from June pink flowers whose total diameter can reach up to 80 centimeters. In the first year develops the two? to perennial perennial, however, initially only one rosette with about four to one-meter-tall, multi-feathered, heavily hairy leaves. Only in the second or third year does the Herculean shrub reach its full plant size with up to five meters. The stalk can then reach up to 10 centimeters in diameter at the bottom. The Riesenbärenklau can be found "especially frequently on rivers and streams, but also on fallow land, parks, roadsides and everywhere where a species-poor vegetation predominates," according to the message of the Chamber of Agriculture for the Saarland.

Elimination of the Giant Bear Claw urgently advised
An elimination of the Hercules shrubs is urged by the experts to prevent further spread. However, some safety regulations must be observed when fighting. Ideally, they work in full protective clothing made of synthetic, water-repellent materials, including gloves, goggles and mouthguards, according to the Chamber of Agriculture. Tools such as shredders, lawn mowers and the like are inappropriate because of the high risk of splashing and spraying crushed plant material. The best way to a mechanical control by separating the so-called vegetation cone. Thus, the sprouting of the plant is only from the upper part of the root. If the root is pierced at least 10 centimeters below the earth's surface, the vegetation cone can be completely removed. However, the separated part should not be thrown together with leaves and best placed with the interface up to prevent re-growth, reports the Chamber of Agriculture.

Mechanical disposal for small stocks
Although the cutting off of the vegetation cone is a very efficient disposal method for hobby gardeners, but this is due to the labor required only for individual plants or small stocks. Large stocks can be restricted by mowing in their spread. Although there is the risk of splashing plant juices, but a manual disposal is barely affordable from a certain size of the stock. "However, for an effective result, the mowing needs to be repeated two or three times during a growing season, otherwise the plant will grow again quickly," says the Saarland Chamber of Agriculture. Also, this method rarely allows the plant to die off and so does not prevent the spread, but only slows it down. More effective here is milling or plowing to a depth of between ten and 15 centimeters. Thus, the existing plants are destroyed immediately. By repeating the process, it is also possible to prevent the germination of further seeds present on the soil surface. And by planting fast and dense grasses remaining seeds of the Giant Bear Claw are deprived of the light for germination. For large areas this is the most promising method.

Controls needed in combat
If the Hercules shrubs are already growing, the spread can be limited by removing the flower or seed levels. However, the cut-off umbels must be collected and destroyed to prevent any seed maturity. In addition, the plants can form emergency flowers, which is why every two to three weeks a follow-up should take place, so the message of the Chamber of Agriculture. Last but not least, a grazing of the areas is possible, mainly sheep, but sometimes also goats are used. Plant growth is more limited here than when mowing, but grazing should start as early as possible in the season. For all the other control measures mentioned, the experts advise that they should be carried out when the sky is overcast or in the evening so as not to take any risks if plant juice gets on the skin. In addition, it should be rinsed directly in such a case with soap and water. In the coming days, a covering of the affected skin with clothing is required and in the next few weeks or months special protection with sunscreen. (Fp)

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