Giant hogweed: Environment Agency again asks for help
Findings of the invasive neophyte should be reported
This year, the City of Chemnitz Environmental Agency is once again asking citizens to help combat so-called invasive neophytes. These are immigrant or introduced plant species that are spreading rapidly and displacing native plants. One particularly problematic plant is the giant hogweed.
Citizens are called upon to report findings of giant hogweed by email to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority at umweltamt.naturschutz(at)stadt-chemnitz.de. It is important to indicate the location and number of plants, if possible with a photo. In exceptional cases, reports can also be made by telephone on 0371 488-3602 or -03 or by dialling 115.
The giant bearclaw is originally from the Caucasus. The plant grows up to four metres high and produces tens of thousands of seeds. As a result, it spreads extremely quickly and is also harmful to health: the sap can cause severe skin burns in sunlight, especially in children.
The very large, sometimes more than one metre wide, strongly incised leaves are unmistakable, with each partial leaf and each serration ending in a very typical leaf tip. The strongly noticeable, pungent and spicy odour of the plant sap is also unmistakable.
According to EU regulations, giant hogweed must be eradicated. The property owners are primarily responsible for this. If they are aware of any occurrences, they will receive a written notification from the Environmental Agency regarding professional removal.
Important: The plants - especially flowers, seeds and roots - must be completely removed and disposed of in the neophyte container at the Weißer Weg recycling centre.