Wild herbs: Good properties despite a bad reputation - the federal government demands to rethink in dealing with wild herbs
Wild herbs: Good properties despite a bad reputation - the federal government demands to rethink in dealing with wild herbs
On the occasion of the day of the weed, the BUND for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) draws attention to the fact that many wild plants are wrongly referred to and combat. Corinna Hölzel, Bund-Garten expert, emphasizes that wild herbs often have valuable properties for the ecosystem and humans. Nevertheless, they are combated in agriculture, on public areas and in gardens with herbicides, which has negative effects on biodiversity, floors and water. In Germany, around 17,000 tons of herbicides are sprayed annually, including 4,000 tons of glyphosate.
The federal government therefore calls for a ban on pesticides in the house and allotment garden and a significant reduction in the use of pesticide in agriculture. Wild herbs have a variety of advantages, they attract beneficials and help with gardening. The dandelion is mentioned as an example, which attracts wild bees and butterflies with its yellow flowers. Other wild herbs such as nettle, giersch, clover and arable winds are also useful and can serve as food for insects, among other things.
In addition, many wild herbs are edible and known as medicinal plants. The yarrow, dandelion, giersch and chimney can be used in salads or as tea, for example, and have positive effects on health. The federal government recommends that wild herbs in the garden grow and to do without the use of herbicides.
The top 5 of the most useful weeds are listed below:
1. Dandelion: An important feed plant for insects, edible for animals and humans.
2. Nettle: food source for butterflies, medicinal plant.
3. Giersch: Feed plant for butterflies, can be used in dishes.
4. Klee: Food source for bees and butterflies, contributes to the health of the soil.
5. Auditors: Important species for wild bees, lures pollinators into the garden and is a beautiful climbing plant.
The federal government offers further information on the subject of wild herbs in the garden, insect -friendly gardening and support for wild bees and butterflies. The contact person is Corinna Hölzel, BUND garden expert.
Editor: BUND for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) e.V., Kaiserin-Augusta-Allee 5, 10553 Berlin.
(Source: Press release of the BUND)
Source: bund/ots