We all know that cannabis plants are illegal to grow across much of the United States, but did you know other, more common plants could also get you in trouble?
You heard me. Illegal plants could spring up in your garden, or you could unknowingly pot them up to add to your landscaping. While these aren’t the daisies and gerberas of the world, it might surprise you what plants the U.S. bans.
Many of these plants received the red stamp of illegality because they pose an environmental risk, making them “invasive plants,” which damage the ecosystem and disrupt native plant growth. Maybe check this list next time you are debating revamping your garden. If you have any of these growing, you could be at risk of a hefty fine.
1. Peyote
Ironically, peyotes are really cute-looking plants. They look a little like tiny green pumpkins and come with a light pink flower blooming out the top. However, this cute cactus carries a pretty big secret: it’s a psychedelic plant. You won’t be able to buy this plant, not even as an ornament, in any state except Texas.
There are petitions to legalize peyote, however, especially within Native American communities, where it’s seen as sacred. So, watch out; it may exit this list soon.
2. Wild Sugarcane
Wild sugarcane is a little less exciting than peyote. Rather than having psychedelic properties, it is unfortunately just deemed invasive.
It grows to a staggering nine feet tall and has ruthless root networks. This renders precious habitats unsurvivable for native plants when wild sugarcane is present. Needless to say, it got the red “banned” stamp, which is a shame — it’s a really pretty plant.
3. Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard spreads like rapid fire and destroys almost anything in its wake. The plant is tactical, too, spreading seeds in the wind in early spring, therefore beating the reproduction rates of native plants. It grows so thick and in such wide clusters that the plant dominates all natural resources, from sunlight to water.
For this reason, if you live in the U.S., you can’t grow garlic mustard. Simply put, nobody needs the extra hassle of removing the seedlings the mother plant will create in surrounding areas.
4. Johnsongrass
Johnsongrass isn’t psychedelic or invasive; it’s a serious threat to livestock. When eaten by livestock like cows or sheep, johnsongrass causes cyanide poisoning. This may not outright kill the livestock in small doses. However, even smaller amounts can cause deformities in their offspring if they survive the poisoning.
Johnsongrass is a real pain and concern for those in the agricultural business. Because of this, it’s blanked-banned in Missouri and banned in Texas under certain conditions, like planting it on rented land.
5. Fig Buttercup
The fig buttercup is one of the most invasive plants in the U.S., and that’s saying something. The yellow flowering plant was introduced from Europe and aggressively reproduces once it takes hold. Because of its fast growth, it pretty dramatically wipes out native plant species and dominates habitats.
Many U.S. states, including South Carolina, ban the growth of this pesky yellow flower. As pretty as it is, the environmental risks overrule its beauty.
6. Cogongrass
The US didn’t just ban cogongrass; it named it one of the world’s top 10 worst weeds. This type of grass grows so quickly and densely that it leaves native plants with a near-zero chance of survival. Its growth is a rather vicious assault on existing plants and wildlife. Needless to say, you won’t be in the good books if you start sprouting it in your garden.
Cogongrass is also great fuel for wildfires thanks to its particularly fire-friendly properties. We suggest avoiding it.
7. Japanese Barberry
Japanese barberry plants are gorgeous. These ornamental plants burst into popularity around 1875 in people’s gardens, absolutely adored for their wine-red coloring. Unfortunately, they’re massively invasive and also harbor ticks. For these reasons, many states, including Pennsylvania, have banned the growth of Japanese barberry.
It’s best to go shopping for other red plant alternatives.
8. Yellow Iris
One thing is for sure: yellow irises are really beautiful plants. Unfortunately, that’s as far as positivity goes. Navigating the legality of growing a yellow iris is akin to moving through a minefield. I’d recommend avoiding the fiasco completely and picking a similar alternative.
Many states ban the growth of yellow iris plants completely because of their high invasiveness. Others only ban their release in public spaces. Play it safe and avoid them entirely.
9. Chinese Privet
Chinese privets are white flowering plants initially widely hailed as gorgeous ornamental decorations. While Chinese privet plants are toxic, nobody seemed to mind too much when they were introduced to the U.S. in 1852.
Over time, though, the realization spread that the Chinese privet was massively invasive. As a result, the plant is now banned in multiple U.S. states, including Alabama, Texas, and Florida.
10. Kudzu
Kudzu is actually nicknamed the “vine that ate the South,” thanks to its invasive qualities. It’s part of the Federal Noxious Weed List, meaning the U.S. bans its sales and transport across state borders.
Kudzu wasn’t always public enemy number one, though. It was initially recognized as a beautiful ornamental plant and a handy tool to combat soil erosion. Unfortunately, its popularity gave it the platform to override tons of native plant life. The government is still trying to get it under control and eradicate its negative impact.
11. Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed is another example of an ornamental gone mad. Things started sweetly for this plant, introduced from Japan in the early 1800s. Gradually, though, its pretty mask slipped, and people grew savvy to its invasiveness.
This plant can grow up to eight inches daily in summer, and its root system can spread up to 70 feet, which can disrupt underground sewer, gas, and water lines. There’s just no way that slow-growing native plants could co-exist.
12. Chinese Tallow
Chinese tallow is fairly large, and you might recognize it by its nickname, “popcorn tree.” It copped its ban for its invasiveness, especially overpowering native plants in wet areas. However, it also endangers native frog species.
When the Chinese tallow drops decaying leaves in water, it shifts the microbial properties. There’s no way the U.S. government would accept such an environmental risk. Wave goodbye to Chinese tallow trees.
13. Giant Hogweed
Giant hogweed looks pretty innocent. The delicate white flowers atop gangly green stalks don’t shout, “I am the most dangerous plant in the U.S..” However, that’s exactly what you’re looking at — one of the country’s most dangerous plants.
Aside from being invasive, giant hogweed is also toxic to people. The sap can cause blistering and severe reactions similar to second-degree burns when it comes into contact with human skin. As such, it’s banned from being sold or transported across state borders.