Krautschau in Hamburg: Forgotten plants bloom in the concrete!

Krautschau in Hamburg: Forgotten plants bloom in the concrete!

In the Hamburg HafenCity, botanist Kolja Bodendieck launched a remarkable "Krautschau" tour on June 30, 2025, in which 25 participants are made aware of the often overlooked wild plants in the city. The aim of the action is to raise awareness of these plants and their importance for urban nature. With colorful chalk borders, plants such as the low-lying fattening and the Breit-Wegerich are presented. "We want to highlight the variety of plants that thrive between the paving stones," explains Bodendieck.

The campaign is part of a growing movement that started in France and came to Germany via England. In this country, the initiative can be found under the hashtags #kraut show and #Mehralsunraut. Over 70 such guided tours have already been carried out last spring, and there are even more than 100 in the room for the next season. The popularity of the "Krautschau" actions reacts to the phenomenon of plant blindness, in which humans have difficulty perceiving the plants in their environment. It is all the more important to discover the small wild plants and put their advantages into the light.

The importance of wild plants

wild plants not only offer food and protection for a variety of insects such as wild bees, but they are also crucial for improving urban habitats. Bodendieck, supported by his colleague Imke Bodendieck, emphasizes that there are numerous vacant lots in HafenCity that facilitate the finding of these plants. "Every plant has its value and should grow," he says, indicating how important wild plants are to reduce the consequences of climate change.

Studies show that around 500 plant species have adapted to extreme urban conditions in Germany. These plants defy heat, soil compression and pollution by creating micro-ecosystems for other organisms. They contribute to the fact that the floor can stay stable, seep water and the surfaces remain cooler on hot summer days.

technology and community

Another remarkable element of the "Krautschau" campaigns is the use of modern technology. The participants are encouraged to use plant determination apps such as Floraincognita or obsidentify to identify the picked plants. A common goal is to share photos of the plants online and to communicate with a wider audience.

This grass root movement, which was initiated by botanists: inside and plant lovers, not only promotes interest in urban botany, but also creates a platform for community learning and the exchange of knowledge about the importance of "forgotten" plants in our urban spaces. ** Krautschau ** is more than just a walk through nature - it is an invitation to rediscover the world around us.

Kreiszeitung reports that the actions regularly attract and enthusiasts. Also mdr emphasizes how important it is to perceive the unknown plants of the cities. For interested parties there are more information on Forschen together available.