How can you recognize bear claw and how dangerous is the plant?

The bear claw is a plant with impressive appearance, but also with potentially dangerous properties for health. Below you will find detailed information on how to recognise the plant and why it can be dangerous.

Recognize bear claw:

In Belgium there are two species of bear claws, the giant bear claw being particularly dangerous:

1. Giant bear claw:
   • Appearance: Can reach 5 meters high, has large white flower screens with a diameter of 50 cm to 1 meter between July and September. The stem is often red-spotted, and the leaves are hairy.
   • Where to find: Often along motorways, railway lines, waterways, but also in gardens.
2. Common bear claw:
   • Looks like the giant bear claw but has no red spotted stem and grows up to 2 meters high.

Why is the bear claw dangerous?

• Phototoxic reaction: The juice of the giant bear claw is phototoxic, which means that in contact with skin and exposure to sunlight (UV rays) it can cause severe skin lesions, similar to burns.
• Symptoms: After contact, blistering and severe rash may occur after 24 hours or later. These lesions are slowly healing and hyperpigmentation (brown discoloration) of the skin can be left behind.
• Eye contact: In case of contact with the eyes, the juice can cause permanent blindness in severe cases.
• Toxicity: The juice is also toxic when swallowed.

What to do with contact:

• Rinse the skin thoroughly with water immediately if there has been contact with the juice.
• If you contact the eyes, rinse plenty and seek medical attention immediately.
• Change clothes if they have been in contact with the juice.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight for at least one week. Cover the skin with clothing and use a sunscreen with high protection factor.
• If skin lesions appear, consult a doctor.

How to avoid problems:

• Do not touch the plant and teach children to avoid the plant.
• Never let children make whistles or blow pipes from the hollow stems.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing when touching the plant during gardening work.
• Avoid walking or playing in places where the giant bear claw grows.
• Request the municipality's greenery department to remove the plant if it grows near children's playgrounds.

By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risks of the bear claw and prevent accidents.