Content
- Is Acanthus mollis poisonous?
- Acanthus mollis is not poisonous
- True Bear Claw - the forgotten medicinal plant
- Tips
The true bear claw is a medicinal plant
Is Acanthus mollis poisonous?
If home gardeners learn the German name when acquiring Acanthus mollis, all alarm bells ring. The decorative wild plant from the Mediterranean region is called Wahrer Bärenklau. Consequently, the question is obvious, whether the pretty acanthus plant poses a similar danger as poisonous bear claw.
Acanthus mollis is not poisonous
The botanical taxonomy sometimes causes confusion when the scientific terms are translated with German folk names. Acanthus mollis is a shining example. Records from the 16th century prove that the Mediterranean wild shrub was described by Middle High German vernacular as a bear's cap. In the further course developed from today's name True Bear Claw, rarely Soft Bear Paw or Soft Bear Claw.
Domestic bear-claw species, such as meadow-bear-claw or giant-bear-claw, originate from the genus Heracleum, which contains partly poisonous species. Regardless of the verbal confusion, the all-clear with regard to the toxic content of Acanthus mollis can be given. There are no threats to the plant, such as the dangerous giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
True Bear Claw - the forgotten medicinal plant
In ancient times, Acanthus mollis was one of the officinal medicinal plants. This classification means that every pharmacy should have the plant in stock. Presumably, the remedy was available in various forms of preparation for internal and external use. The list of traditional uses is long, as the following excerpt demonstrates:
Tips
With its magnificent flower candles True Bear Claw (Acanthus mollis) is the perfect candidate for the sunny perennial border in the natural garden. A light protection from leaves and Nadelreisig enough, so that the imposing ornamental plant survives the Central European winter unscathed.