Hogweed Many people associate the invasive and highly poisonous giant hogweed. So do I have to strictly avoid hogweed despite the impressive flowers in the garden? Or are there also plants for the garden among the many different species?
Can I cultivate hogweed in the garden?
There are different types of hogweed, some of which are alsosuitable for growing in the garden. Invasive and poisonous species, such as giant hogweed, do not belong in the garden. The native meadow hogweed is well suited as a perennial and useful plant.
Why shouldn't I grow some species in the garden?
Hogweed contains furocoumarins, which arepoisonous to humans. Giant hogweed damages human skin just by touching it. In addition, giant hogweed spreads invasively and would overgrow your garden in no time. That's why you should fight this plant in the garden. The content of furocoumarins depends on the variety and, for some plants, on the age. You should avoid hogweed with a high content of furocoumarins, such as pink hogweed or Austrian hogweed, in a household with children.
Which species of hogweed are suitable for the garden?
The common meadow hogweed is an ideal plant for the garden, because as a young plant before flowering, meadow hogweed can be eaten as a vegetable. Meadow hogweed can also be used dried as a medicinal herb for coughs. The toxin content of the plant only increases as it ages after flowering.
What do I have to take into account when it comes to hogweed in the garden?
The meadow hogweed needs amoist and sunny to partially shadedlocation with loose soil in your garden. Make sure the plants are 50 cm away from neighboring plants because meadow hogweed spreads. In the right location, the plant is very easy to care for and hardy.
Tip
Meadow hogweed as an insect paradise
Meadow hogweed is the perfect table setting for local insects. 30 species of bees and 13 species of butterflies feed on the plant. Meadow hogweed serves as a food plant for 8 species of caterpillars.
