Warsaw residents will face further consequences of the ongoing heatwave. The Warsaw Greenery Board is warning pet owners about a dangerous plant that could threaten the health of their pets. A statement issued on June 26, 2024, informs that close contact with this species can have very serious consequences. Find out why you should avoid false barley and where it can be found.
Warsaw Greenery Board Warns Pet Owners: Avoid These Areas
Due to the heatwave and resulting drought, the municipal Greenery Board, responsible for the maintenance of roadside flower beds, had to cease mowing operations. The temporary suspension of these activities has led to the growth of a species that can pose a significant threat to dogs and cats. False barley appeared in Poland at the end of the 15th century and is therefore considered an archaeophyte.
False barley is not highly invasive and typically grows in ruderal communities and urbanized areas. On Warsaw's lawns, it reaches a height of 20-40 cm. It naturally occurs in warmer climates, such as the Mediterranean basin, but has found suitable habitats here as well
- according to the Warsaw Greenery Board website. The plant easily adapts to its surroundings, but it prefers dry, heavily sunlit areas with a high calcium content. These conditions are characteristic of roadside lawns. After years of observation, it has been noted that false barley negatively affects the health of animals, so it is best to avoid areas where it grows. Here are the consequences of ignoring the warning.
False Barley - The Enemy of Pets. "We Urge Dog Owners to Exercise Caution"
When taking your dog for a walk, Warsaw residents should avoid areas where false barley grows. The plant has sharp awns that, after seed formation, fall to the ground when dried. When a dog steps on the awn, it can not only injure its paws but also lead to the foreign body penetrating the skin. The most serious concern is the possibility of the barley part entering the eye.
We urge dog owners to exercise caution and keep their pets away from areas covered with false barley
- the statement reads. Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to completely remove the spikes, which is why the Warsaw Greenery Board has reached out to pet owners to protect their furry companions.
