Gardeners have been warned they could be fined for growing nine 'criminal' plants in their gardens.
Intrusive plants are among those which people should be wary of.
Species such as Japanese Knotweed may not look unpleasant, but they can be more difficult to identify as they take hold of your garden, according to the Express.
These invasive plants are not native to the UK, so they should be curbed to prevent further damage to neighbouring properties or wildland.
It is not usually illegal to grow these plants and weeds in your garden but some are heavily regulated and fines issued to anyone who does no keep them under control.
People visiting parks and other green spaces this summer should also be on the look out for some of these plants which can be poisonous to animals and even leave you with burns.
Spotting prohibited plants growing on your property is easy to do when you know what to look for, and these are just nine key species you should know about according to gardening maintenance company Fantastic Gardeners.
It is considered an offence by law to let any of the following plants grow outside in your garden.
Spear Thistle
The Liverpool Echo says this enticing plant is considered to be highly invasive and poses a significant threat to other native UK species.
Spear thistle is a problematic weed because it produces a tap root on germination, with lateral roots that grow horizontally.
It is very adaptable and has the potential to compete with almost every plant it encounters.
Broad-leaved dock
This green, leafy plant is highly invasive and will harbour several different types of unwanted garden pests. Broad-leaved dock can grow in all soil types, with “no climatic limitation” to stop this plant growing across the country.
Rhododendron ponticum
Though the small purple flowers may be deceptive, this widespread, tall plant is considered problematic for several reasons. Not only can it grow to a considerable height, but it will block sunlight for competing plants while doing so.
Eradication costs the UK millions every year, and is no easy feat to get rid of for good.
Japanese knotweed
This invasive plant can grow almost anywhere, causing significant issues to homeowners once it spreads throughout the garden. Japanese knotweed can take years to eradicate completely and can cost upwards of £10,000 to be professionally removed.
Common ragwort
While the yellow flowers may look inviting, this “beauty” of a weed is actually poisonous to most mammals. It is one of the most commonly reported weeds found throughout the country, though its growth should be strictly controlled to protect livestock.
Hima la yan Balsam
This intrusive species can be easily spread by animals, wind and rivers, making it hard to stop when it begins to grow. Around 800 seeds can be found on each plant, leaving plenty of opportunity for this ripe seed pods to shoot up to 22 feet 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.
Giant hogweed
This uniquely shaped weed is filled with a powerful chemical known as furanocoumarins, which can cause significant injury when the sap 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 invasive weed is known to kill any native species in its path, posing a considerable threat to your garden and surrounding land. Sales of this plant have been banned since 2014 in the UK in order to control the rapid spread.
