Invasive plants that could land you in legal trouble if left unchecked

If you allow these four plants to run rampant, you could be facing hefty fines and even a stint behind bars.

It’s that time of year again when gardening enthusiasts are busy weeding, pruning and planting flowers to get their gardens beautiful for the summer. While many will be eager to see their greenery thrive, there may also be some troublesome invasive plants lurking among them.

If you don’t act swiftly to curb the growth of certain foreign species, you could find yourself slapped with hefty fines or even facing jail time. These plants can become an absolute nightmare for local wildlife, often ruthlessly choking out other plants to make more room for themselves.

So, keeping an eye out for the usual suspects is not only beneficial for your garden but also for your wallet. It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect your property this spring to ensure these four alarming plants aren’t hiding in plain sight.

American skunk cabbage

Don’t be deceived – this tough plant isn’t the type of cabbage you’d want accompanying your Sunday roast. While it has uses in specific medications, excessive consumption may cause mouth burns, kidney irritation, and even death, making it inadvisable.

But beyond that, intentionally cultivating American skunk cabbage is entirely prohibited in the UK, and allowing it to spread beyond your property could be considered an offence. Depending on the severity, the consequences could range from a warning to two years in prison for an indictable offence, as the Government is keen to clamp down on its proliferation.

This is primarily because the plant’s giant, dense leaves cast a shadow over other plants, limiting their access to vital sunlight and threatening their survival.

These plants first arrived in the UK in 1901, brought over from the US as ornamental decorations. Now, they can be found all across British woodlands and waterways, thriving in boggy soil conditions.

To identify them, look for their distinctive yellow leaves and strong aroma. If you hadn’t already guessed, this smells somewhat like a skunk’s rotten egg stench – so you’ll definitely want to get rid of them before any summer BBQs.

Chemical pest control is the best way to stop their growth, and gardeners should then burn the plant material or dispose of it responsibly.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is a notoriously invasive species in the UK. It spreads relentlessly across gardens and is known to cause unbelievable damage to buildings.

While the plant may seem small, its roots can reach over two metres in search of water. This growth can push through paving slabs, sewers, and even concrete, potentially causing long-term infrastructure damage.

Samantha Towle, director at JMP Solicitors, previously told The Mirror: “The law is very clear – if you have Japanese Knotweed on your property, you must not allow it to spread onto neighbouring properties. It would be classed as a private nuisance and you could be prosecuted under civil law resulting in financial penalties.”

Using the right herbicides and physical extraction can help to rid of these pesky plants, though expert attention is recommended in severe cases.

Giant hogweed

At first look, you might mistake this behemoth for the innocent cow parsley with its fuzzy form and jagged foliage. Yet, this massive plant is nothing of the sort and should be treated with the utmost care.

Giant hogweed, native to Russia and Georgia, is notorious for its toxicity; the chemical in its sap can cause severe blistering and lasting scars on contact. Similar to the American skunk cabbage, its leaves create substantial shade issues for surrounding plants, once again jeopardising their survival.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), getting rid of this monster is no easy task, and it should only be sent to specific licensed landfills with the necessary paperwork. The RHS also advises anyone worried about the risk of cutting it to seek professional advice, although it can be burned or cut down with the right equipment.

However, the Government insists that it should not be imported or deliberately bred unless you have a specific exemption to do so.

Himalayan balsam

Despite its beauty, the Himalayan balsam should not be underestimated. This towering pink plant can wreak havoc in your garden by mercilessly smothering plants as it grows taller and taller.

Experts also suggest that each plant can release around 800 seeds, which spread over a distance of 22 feet. Therefore, it’s crucial to halt growth early to prevent a major problem from developing.

Once again, weed killer can be used to fight this, but pulling the plants out before they flower and set seed is preferable to avoid any damage to other species. “Conservation authorities regularly organise ‘balsam bashing’ work parties to clear the weed from marshland and riverbanks,” the RHS has said.

“Hoe-off seedlings. Dig or fork out plants.”