8 popular plants that could actually land you in legal trouble

Did you know the wrong backyard flower could cost you a $1 million fine and 20 years in federal prison? I constantly check my garden beds for federal contraband because invasive species cost the United States $120 billion annually. Thankfully, a 2023 National Wildlife Federation survey shows that 28% of U.S. adults now actively purchase native plants. 

Mary Phillips, head of the NWF native plant strategy, notes that gardeners are currently showing a “shift from monochromatic lawns and non-native plant species to a space that benefits biodiversity”. I recently ripped out a sketchy vine from my yard, which inspired me to track down the 8 popular plants that could actually get you in legal trouble. Do you want to see if your garden makes you a criminal?   

Opium poppy

I understand the temptation to grow stunning flowers, but the DEA strictly prohibits cultivating Papaver somniferum. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister warns, “It is unlawful to grow poppies for the purpose of producing opiates”.   

One Kansas man recently faced 20 years in prison for attempting to harvest opiate paste right from his backyard. You can safely plant California poppies instead to get that gorgeous look without risking a felony charge.   

Japanese knotweed

Have you ever wondered why developers dread this simple weed? Japanese knotweed grows incredibly fast, and its aggressive roots easily fracture solid concrete foundations. I once spent a whole summer digging out a knotweed infestation, and you must extract every single root fragment or the monster regenerates.   

• Damage: Reduces home value by 10-20%.   
• Legal risk: A New York jury awarded homeowners $535,000 after a commercial property let knotweed invade their yard.   

Running bamboo

Running bamboo completely ignores property lines and invades your neighbor’s yard almost overnight. Connecticut enforces a strict 100-foot setback law, and violators face a $100 daily fine until they remove the bamboo.   

I think bamboo looks wonderfully zen, but the excavation costs will absolutely ruin your inner peace. Always plant clumping varieties or secure running types inside heavy-duty underground barriers.

Bradford pear

City planners historically loved the Bradford pear, but South Carolina and Ohio now explicitly ban nurseries from selling this ecological disaster. These weak trees feature nasty thorns that easily puncture heavy tractor tires. These trees smell like rotting fish during their spring bloom, so you should definitely replace them with a native Eastern Redbud.   

• Bradford Pear: Smells awful, drops weak branches, breaks local laws.   
• Eastern Redbud: Produces beautiful pink blooms, grows strong wood, and stays perfectly legal.

Japanese barberry

Landscapers originally planted Japanese barberry because it effectively deters roaming deer. Unfortunately, this thorny shrub creates a humid microclimate that significantly increases your family’s risk of Lyme disease.   

Pennsylvania officially banned the sale of this noxious weed. I rip this shrub out immediately whenever I spot it, and I highly suggest you plant a native Ninebark bush instead to achieve that brilliant red fall color safely.   

English ivy

People adore that classic ivy-covered cottage aesthetic, but English ivy aggressively suffocates mature trees and destroys native flora. Oregon and Washington strictly quarantine this plant and penalize anyone who sells or transports it.   

I advise everyone to rip this invasive vine off their trees immediately before it causes irreversible trunk rot. Try planting native wild ginger instead to stay legally compliant while covering your ground beautifully.

Burning bush

Massachusetts officially banned the sale and propagation of the burning bush because it aggressively displaces native woodland plants. Furthermore, Delaware penalizes anyone selling this invasive shrub with fines ranging from $50 to $500.   

I completely understand why people love the fiery autumn foliage, but I prefer to keep local ecosystems intact. Highbush blueberry makes a fantastic, completely legal substitute that offers gorgeous fall colors without the hefty fines.

Water hyacinth

Pond enthusiasts frequently purchase water hyacinth for its delicate purple flowers. However, this aquatic invader forms dense floating mats that block sunlight, deplete oxygen, and kill native fish populations.   

Wisconsin and Florida regulate this pest, and state agencies impose heavy fines on anyone who dumps it into public waters. I recommend using native pickerelweed for your water features to get a stunning purple aesthetic legally.   

Key takeaway

Upgrading your yard should never end with a hefty fine or a neighbor suing you. The 8 popular plants that could actually land you in legal trouble prove that innocent vegetation often hides destructive secrets. You should always research local botanical laws, consult native plant guides, and choose eco-friendly alternatives. 

Check your garden today, grab your shovel, and start evicting those illegal botanical squatters!

Read the Original Article on Crafting Your Home.