Did you know there are possibly nine different plants that could be growing in your garden, any one of which has the potential to land you with a fine and a criminal record? According to reports in the mirror and the express, gardeners are being warned to be on the lookout for "criminal plants" in the boundaries of their homes.
Among those people should be most vigilant about are the so-called intrusive plants. Species such as Japanese knotweed may not necessarily be unpleasant to look at, but they could be hard to identify as they take a hold in the hedges. As they are not native to the UK, they should be curbed to prevent damage to neighbouring properties or land.
Although it is not strictly illegal to grow invasive plants and weeds in your garden, some are heavily regulated and fines can be handed out to those who fail to keep them under control. People visiting parks or going on country walks during the warm summer weather should also watch for plants that may be poisonous to animals and leave you with a nasty sting or burn.
Identifying prohibited plants on your property should be easy if you know what to seek out. The nine key species you should know about, according to Fantastic Gardeners, a gardening maintenance company, are:
Spear Thistle
The Liverpool Echo says this enticing plant is considered highly invasive and poses a significant threat to native UK species. Spear thistle is problematic because the weed produces a tap root on germination, with roots that grow horizontally. It is very adaptable and will often compete with almost any plant it encounters.
Broad-leaved dock
This green, leafy plant is highly invasive and harbours several garden pests. Broad-leaved dock can grow in all soil types, with no climatic limitation in stopping it spreading across the country.
Rhododendron ponticum
The small purple flowers are deceptive, as this widespread, tall plant can grow to a considerable height and block sunlight for other plants, gradually stunting their growth or wiping them out completely. Eradication costs the UK millions every year, and it is not easy to eliminate for good.
Japanese knotweed
This notorious invasive species grows almost anywhere, causing significant issues to homeowners as it spreads rapidly in the garden. Japanese knotweed can take years to eradicate and can cost more than £10,000 to be professionally removed.
Common ragwort
While the yellow flowers may look inviting, this weed is poisonous to most mammals. It is one of the most commonly reported weeds, and its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock.
Himalayan Balsam
This is easily spread by animals, winds and rivers, making it hard to stamp out once it begins to grow. Around 800 seeds can be found on each plant, leaving plenty of opportunity for it ripe seed pods to shoot up to 22 feet (6.7m) away from its original site.
Curled dock
Known as a flexible weed, the curled dock plant will outcompete most native species. Curled dock and broad-leaved dock are both covered by the Weeds Act, 1959, which gives government and local authorities powers to require a land occupier to take action to prevent their spread. Failure to do so can end in convictions and fines.
Giant hogweed
This uniquely shaped weed has a powerful chemical, furanocoumarins, which causes significant injury if it touches human skin. A burning sensation and permanent scarring makes this very dangerous to passers-by and is strictly controlled for this reason.
New Zealand pigmyweed
This weed is known to kill any native species in its path, posing a substantial threat to the garden and surrounding land. Sales of this plant have been banned in the UK since 2014 in order to control its ability to rapidly spread.
It is considered an offence by law to let any of these plants grow outside in your garden.
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