The city is asking property owners for help in combating the highly allergenic plant
The city of Griesheim is once again taking action against common ragweed this year and is asking residents to check their private properties for the plant. This species, also known as ragweed, blooms from July to October. Because its pollen can trigger severe allergic reactions, the city recommends pulling the plant out, including the roots, before it flowers.
The city regularly monitors ragweed populations on municipal land. Staff mow or mulch infested areas and remove individual plants by hand. Because common ragweed can also grow on private green spaces, the city is also relying on the public's help to contain it.
Remove ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) preferably before it flowers
“If private areas are checked for occurrences and the plant is ideally pulled out along with its roots before flowering, the spread can be significantly reduced,” says Verena Gaschick-Alkan from the environmental office of the city of Griesheim.
If the plant is already flowering, the environmental agency recommends wearing protective gloves and a face mask. Furthermore, those affected should dispose of the removed plants in a sealed plastic bag with their regular household waste and not on the compost heap.
Ragweed pollen is among the strongest allergy triggers. Even small amounts can cause hay fever-like symptoms or asthma. The plant's hairs can also irritate the skin.
This is how ragweed can be identified
Characteristic features include bipinnate leaves that are the same green on both the upper and lower surfaces. Young plants resemble young tomato plants. The stems are densely hairy.
Main growth begins at the end of June, with flowers appearing from the end of July or beginning of August. The small, spherical, greenish-yellow flower heads grow in clusters at the shoot tips. The plants can reach a height of about one and a half meters by the end of the growing season.
Further information
The city of Griesheim provides information on common ragweed and how to control it at:
www.griesheim.de
(RED/PM/Verena Brückmann)
