As of: March 7, 2024, 12:16 p.m
By: Carmen Mörwald
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The first signs of spring are here.
However, these should remain in place as picking them is punishable by a high fine.
Frankfurt – As nature awakens in spring, so does the temptation to bring its beauty home.
But be careful: some spring flowers are protected according to the Federal Species Protection Ordinance.
Anyone who still picks them risks a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
But there are also exceptions.
50,000 euros fine for picking: This spring flower is protected
Anyone who has gone out the door in the past few days will definitely have seen the first signs of spring.
One of them is the snowdrop.
The flower is particularly striking because of its snow-white color and hanging buds.
But you shouldn't pick them.
This also includes digging up the plant.
Be careful when picking spring flowers as some species are protected.
© Katrin Requadt/dpa
The spring flower is a protected species.
According to the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, this may not be removed.
Anyone who still picks the snowdrops will receive a hefty fine, which varies depending on the federal state.
In serious cases, for example, up to 50,000 euros must be paid in Hamburg.
Protected species: Other spring flowers are also not allowed to be picked
But the snowdrop is not the only early bloomer that cannot be picked.
The pussy willow, which has a special symbolism for many people and is used as an Easter decoration, is also protected.
If you want to bring the plant home, it is better to buy it in flower shops.
The pussy willow is also a protected species.
Anyone who picks the plant will face a penalty.
© Angelika Warmuth / dpa
However, it should be noted that many of the spring flowers on offer were imported from abroad.
As the Federal Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BMUV) reports, the majority of flowers in the German trade come from distant, warmer regions such as Africa or South America.
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Spring flowers with special species protection: This must be taken into account when picking
According to the BMUV, a distinction is made between general and special species protection.
If plants belong to the specially protected species, they may not be removed under any circumstances.
These include arnica, tulips, crocuses, daffodils, all types of carnations, gentians and most ferns.
In addition, these plants are under special species protection:
Bluestar
Monkshood
Pasque flowers
Chess flowers
Irises
Some mushroom species are also protected, including birch mushrooms, sausage mushrooms, morels, red caps, porcini mushrooms, pig's ears and all types of chanterelles.
But according to the Federal Species Protection Ordinance, there is a “special exception” in this case.
Accordingly, collecting small quantities for personal use is permitted.
Legal picking through the manual bouquet regulation: What is allowed?
Despite the regulations, there is a kind of loophole that allows flowers to be picked: the so-called hand bouquet regulation.
The BMUV informs that plants may be picked in small quantities for personal use.
That's about the amount you can hold between your thumb and forefinger.
But this only applies if they are not subject to special species protection.
Since this is not always so easy to determine in practice, caution is advised when picking.
To be on the safe side, it is worth purchasing spring flowers, plants or their seeds from a garden center.
Alternatively, you can make your own garden beautiful in spring with a little work.
(cln)