Giant hogweed endangers Chemnitz: your help is needed!

Giant hogweed endangers Chemnitz: your help is needed!

In Saxony, efforts to combat invasive plant species are in full swing. The environmental office of the city of Chemnitz is currently asking citizens for help, especially in combating the dreaded giant hogweed. This invasive neophyte species, which originally comes from the Caucasus, is one of the most problematic plants that has increasingly appeared in German gardens and landscapes in recent years. chemnitz.de informs that giant hogweed can grow up to four meters high and produces tens of thousands of seeds every year that are spread by wind, animals and water.

But this is not just a visual problem. Giant hogweed sap can cause severe skin burns when exposed to sunlight, especially in children, making it even more urgent to combat. The Environment Agency therefore asks all citizens to report findings of giant hogweed to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority by email. The location and number of plants should be stated when reporting, and ideally a photo should also be included. The relevant contact information is published on the Internet.

Need for action and responsibilities

Controlling this plant is a top priority not only for the environment but also for human health. Property owners are primarily responsible for eliminating giant hogweed on their property. The Environment Agency informs these owners in writing about discovered occurrences and provides instructions on how to remove them professionally. To do this, the giant hogweed must be completely removed and disposed of in the neophyte container at the Weißer Weg recycling center. This clear requirement is intended to ensure that the plants are not spread further.

However, giant hogweed is not the only invasive species causing problems in Germany. In fact, there are around 900 established neobiota species in Germany, of which around 470 are plants and around 40 are fungal species. [bfn.de](https://www.bfn.de/gebiets Fremde-und-invasive-arten) names plants as the largest group within these neophytes that threaten our ecosystem. It is described that invasive species not only displace native plants, but can also endanger ecological balances.

Practical tips for combating it

According to mdr.de, there are effective methods to combat giant hogweed that are carried out by local nature conservation initiatives. This includes frequent mowing, plowing and milling, which help to contain the spread. It is particularly important to wear protective clothing when attempting to remove giant hogweed from your own garden. This work should involve deadheading the giant hogweed and removing the roots as deep as possible. The removed plants must then be wrapped in black foil and taken to the municipal recycling center.

Overall, giant hogweed is a powerful reminder of how important environmental protection and public attention are to protecting the local flora. Join us and help keep our Saxony alive and healthy!