Hogweed, Latin Heracleum, is a genus within the umbelliferous family. The large, jagged and hairy leaves are characteristic. The flower is made up of several smaller umbels. Different and sometimes poisonous species of hogweed grow in Germany.
Which hogweed grows in Germany?
Bothnative and introduced hogweed species from other regions of the genus Heracleum grow in Germany. The native plants include meadow hogweed and Austrian hogweed. Giant hogweed from the Caucasus is a feared poisonous plant in Germany.
What native species of hogweed are there?
There are several species of meadow hogweed that are native to Germany:
- Mountain meadow hogweed – subalpine mountain meadows
- Pink hogweed – poisonous, native perennial
- common hogweed – most common, native species
- Green-flowering meadow hogweed – perennial from Central and Southern Europe
Most of these species are rare in Germany. An exception is the common hogweed, which grows on banks, in fat meadows and in sparse forests. The Austrian hogweed is also native to high altitudes in the Alps in Germany.
Which hogweed was introduced?
Giant hogweed and Persian hogweed were introduced to Germany in the 20th century. The non-poisonous Persian hogweed is still rarely found in the wild in Germany. Due to its widespread distribution, giant hogweed is considered a feared, invasive neophyte in Germany. Due to its size, it deprives native plants of light. At the same time, it releases a poison that is dangerous for other plants and people. As a result, it displaces native species.
Do plants of the genus Alcanthus also belong to hogweed?
Plants of the genus Alcanthus such as soft hogweedbelong to the mint family There is no relationship to the umbelliferous plants of the genus Heracleum. The best-known representative of this plant genus is Balkan hogweed. This genus is a traditional wild plant from southeastern Europe.
Tip
Native plants for biodiversity
If you want to grow hogweed in the garden, it is best to choose native species. Many insect species depend on these plants. With native plants, such as the different types of meadow hogweed, you contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.