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City warns of spread of allergy-inducing plant
Griesheim. ragweed this year . The southwest residential area is currently particularly affected, where the invasive plant species is increasingly found in meadows between the small wooded areas and along the noise barrier on the Westring. Individual plants have also been discovered along roadsides. The municipal works department is currently combating its spread by mowing, mulching, and manually removing the plants.
This unassuming plant, originally from North America, begins to bloom from late July to early August. Its pollen is among the strongest allergy triggers and can cause hay fever, skin irritation, or even asthma. The flowering period lasts until October.
a danger even in private gardens.
Due to its high seed production, it spreads rapidly, often unnoticed, in private gardens – for example, near bird feeders, as birdseed often contains seeds. To prevent pollen dispersal and further spread, the plant should be pulled up or mowed before flowering. The city recommends wearing protective gloves and a respirator when handling flowering plants. Ragweed should be disposed of with regular household waste, not composted.
How to identify ragweed:
This annual plant has doubly pinnate, green leaves on both sides and densely hairy stems. Young plants resemble young tomato plants. From the end of July, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers appear in clusters. Depending on the weather, the plant remains under 50 centimeters tall or reaches up to 1.5 meters.
Further information on detection and control can be found on the website of the city of Griesheim .
(Griesheim - Red/PSG)
