Giant hogweed: Environment Agency again asks for help
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.</p
<p>Citizens are therefore called upon to report findings of giant hogweed by email to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority at umweltamt.naturschutz@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.
<p<p>The giant bear moth is originally from the Caucasus. The plant grows up to four metres tall and produces tens of thousands of seeds. It spreads quickly as a result. Giant hogweed is also harmful to health: the sap can cause severe skin burns, especially in sunlight, particularly 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 striking, pungent, spicy odour of the sap is also unmistakable.</p
<p>According to EU regulations, the giant hogweed must be removed. The property owners are primarily responsible for this. They will receive a written notification from the Environmental Agency if they become aware of any occurrences to ensure professional and safe removal.
Important: The plants - especially flowers, seeds and roots - must be completely removed and disposed of via the neophyte container at the Weißer Weg recycling centre.