The spread of this newcomer is problematic for several reasons: firstly, all parts of the Herculean perennial plant contain furocoumarin, a substance that gets onto the skin on contact with the plant sap and, in combination with sunlight, sometimes only leads to a severe allergic reaction after two to three days. Burn-like blisters and discoloration form on the skin, which can last for months. Children who do not recognize this danger are particularly at risk here, especially as the vapours alone can affect their health and cause nausea, for example.

From the point of view of nature conservation, it is important that the threatening spread of Hercules creeper poses a threat to other wild plant species. Due to its extraordinarily strong competitive power and sometimes massive encroachment, existing plant populations are displaced and completely changed. Within a short time, the perennial overgrows all inferior species and forms impressive dominant stands, which is a cause for great concern, especially in areas with rare and already endangered species and biocoenoses. Additional problems also occur at the edges of watercourses, where increased erosion can be observed alongside the displacement of typical native riparian shrubs and tall herbaceous plants. And even agriculture is affected when Hercules bushes invade fields, meadows and pastures, in some cases already leading to yield losses.

The impressive appearance of Herculean perennial should not deter you from doing something about this plant and taking appropriate measures against both its further spread and existing populations. The e-mail address herkulesstaudestadt.salzgitterde can be used to report plants.

If you require further information or have questions about the Hercules perennial, the leaflet "Hercules perennial - a dangerous beauty conquers the urban area" from the lower nature conservation authority is also available.