Many plants are only poisonous if they are unintentionally consumed. But there are also weeds whose mere contact can cause he alth problems. That's why it's important to remove poisonous weeds in the garden consistently and properly.
Which poisonous weed is dangerous and how to remove it?
Poisonous weeds such as giant hogweed, ragwort and datura can cause he alth problems if touched or eaten. It should be removed consistently and properly by weeding the plants mechanically, completely removing roots and disposing of dead plant parts with household waste.
In this article you will learn how to:
- Giant hogweed
- Scallop Ragwort
- Datura
recognize and combat appropriately.
Giant hogweed
These plants, which are increasingly spreading in gardens and green spaces, are also known as Hercules perennials. The toxin from the furocoumarin series is dangerous because it has a phototoxic effect and causes very painful blisters on the skin. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
External features
The giant hogweed reaches a height of between 2, 5 and 4 meters. The middle stem is about 10 centimeters thick and is spotted red. The white flower umbels, which can reach a diameter of 50 centimeters, appear from June to September.
The fight
- If you discover a Hercules tree in your garden, you should remove it as quickly as possible. This ensures that it does not spread and thereby spread further.
- When carrying out this work, be sure to wear protective clothing, which should also cover your face, or have a specialist assist you.
- Simply mowing down is not enough, as the plant can re-sprout several times a year at the base of the shoot. Therefore, first cut the Hercules tree back and then dig it up completely.
- Check regularly and remove any hogweed consistently.
Attention:
The meadow hogweed, which is increasingly spreading in many meadows, is very similar in appearance to giant hogweed, but only grows to 1.20 meters tall. It is also poisonous and can cause meadow dermatitis in sensitive people.
Scallop Ragwort
This yellow-flowering poisonous plant has been spreading rapidly in meadows, pastures and gardens for several years. All parts of the plant contain a liver-damaging poison that remains effective even in hay. It is not excreted by the body and can accumulate, for example when consuming honey, and gradually damage the liver.
External features
In the first year, ragwort forms a flat rosette of leaves. In the second year, the yellow flower umbels, which are visually reminiscent of small daisies, develop from this. The most important identifying feature are the 13 green leaves with black tips. The ragwort grows 30 to 100 centimeters high.
The fight
- If you discover isolated plants in the garden, you should weed them mechanically.
- Ideally, this happens in the first year, before the ragwort starts to bloom.
- Remove the roots completely.
- Don't let the lawn get too high. If it is mowed before flowering, it usually lacks the strength to produce new growth.
- Dispose of dead plant parts in the household waste and do not feed them.
Datura
This weed is not that common in our gardens. However, if the datura is left standing, it proves to be extremely stubborn. The toothed leaves and the white, funnel-shaped flowers are characteristic. Seeds and roots contain the highest concentration of poison.
Remove the plant mechanically early on and dispose of it with household waste.
Tip
Be sure to wear gloves when working in the garden (€9.00 on Amazon), as skin contact with poisonous plants can lead to painful irritation. This applies not only to hogweed, but also to some popular but poisonous ornamental plants.
