Some plants seem like a great idea until they aren’t. You plant them for privacy, shade, or just because they look nice—then they take over your yard, creep into your neighbor’s space, and before you know it, they’re officially someone else’s problem too. That’s exactly why some plants are banned in certain states. They spread too fast, destroy native ecosystems, or are just plain impossible to control.
Planting the wrong thing in the wrong place could get you fined. Some invasive plants are so destructive that local governments have made them illegal to sell, grow, or even own. So before you dig that hole, check to make sure you’re not about to plant any of these plants.
Golden Bamboo
Golden bamboo might seem like the perfect privacy screen—until it starts spreading like wildfire. This stuff doesn’t just stay where you plant it. It sends out underground runners that pop up all over, including in places you don’t want, like your neighbor’s yard or even through cracks in your driveway. Some states have straight-up banned it because once it takes hold, good luck getting rid of it.
If you need a solid privacy screen, go for clumping bamboo or shrubs like wax myrtle. They give you the coverage without the nightmare of bamboo creeping into every inch of your yard.
Hemp Broomrape
This plant doesn’t just grow—it hijacks other plants, stealing their nutrients until they’re weak or dead. It’s a huge problem for crops and vegetable gardens, which is why it’s illegal in a lot of places. The worst part? The seeds can lay dormant in the soil for years, waiting for the right moment to start causing chaos. Once it shows up, it’s tough to get rid of.
Skip the parasitic nightmare and plant marigolds or nasturtiums instead. They help keep pests away and won’t latch onto your tomatoes like some kind of garden vampire.
Australian Pine
This tree might look harmless, but it spreads aggressively and outcompetes native plants, which is why it’s illegal in some places. It grows fast, shades out other species, and can even mess with coastal ecosystems by eroding soil and changing water flow. If it takes root, getting rid of it is a nightmare because of how deep and widespread its roots grow.
Instead of planting Australian pine, go for native trees like southern live oak or bald cypress. These give you the same shade and greenery without wrecking the local environment. They’re also better for wildlife and won’t get you in trouble for planting them.
Brazilian Waterweed
If you’ve got a backyard pond or aquarium, don’t even think about adding Brazilian waterweed. It spreads quickly, clogs up waterways, and ruins habitats for fish and other wildlife. Some states have banned it entirely because once it’s in a body of water, it’s almost impossible to control.
If you’re looking for an oxygenating plant, go for American waterweed or hornwort. They help keep water clean, support local fish and insects, and won’t turn your pond into an overgrown mess. Plus, they won’t land you with a fine.
Common Reed
It might look like just another tall grass, but common reed is a major problem in wetlands. It spreads like crazy, taking over shorelines and pushing out native plants. That’s bad news for birds, fish, and other wildlife that depend on a balanced ecosystem. Some areas even require landowners to remove it if it starts growing.
If you need a tall, ornamental grass, consider switchgrass or big bluestem. They grow well without becoming invasive, and they provide great habitat for birds and pollinators. Plus, they won’t get you in legal trouble.
Deep-Rooted Sedge
This one might not look like much, but deep-rooted sedge is a nightmare for lawns and pastures. Its roots spread aggressively, making it tough to control, and it competes with crops and native plants. Some states have restrictions on growing or selling it because once it spreads, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of.
If you want a low-maintenance grass, go for native species like buffalo grass or blue grama. They’re hardy, drought-resistant, and won’t take over your entire yard. Plus, they’re way easier to manage than an invasive sedge.
Itchgrass
The name says it all—itchgrass is nothing but trouble. It grows fast, takes over pastures and lawns, and can even cause skin irritation if you touch it. Farmers hate it because it competes with crops, and once it spreads, mowing won’t do much to stop it. Some places have strict rules against it because of how aggressive it is.
If you need tough, drought-resistant grass, go for Bermuda or buffalo grass. They won’t turn into an out-of-control weed patch, and they’ll hold up to heat and foot traffic without a problem.
Japanese Honeysuckle
Japanese honeysuckle smells great, looks pretty, and grows fast—which is exactly why it’s a problem. This vine doesn’t just climb fences; it smothers trees, shrubs, and anything else in its way. It’s so invasive that some places have banned it entirely. Once it gets going, cutting it back is an endless chore, and it’ll just keep coming back.
If you want a climbing vine that won’t take over your yard, try native honeysuckle or crossvine. They still give you that sweet scent and pretty flowers without turning your yard into a constant battle.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.