These 4 invasive plants could see you slapped with hefty fines

It’s that time of year again when gardening enthusiasts prepare to plant flowers and get their gardens ready for summer. However, be warned – letting four species spread unchecked could result in fines or imprisonment.

Although often eye-catching, these plants can wreak havoc on local ecosystems, often strangling other vegetation to create more space for their own growth. Therefore, keeping an eye on them benefits both your wallet and your garden’s health.

The Express has delved further into these invasive species, their tell-tale characteristics, and how to get rid of them below.

American skunk cabbage

Don’t be mistaken — this tough plant isn’t the type of cabbage you’d want with your Sunday meal. Although it has uses in some medicines, eating too much can cause mouth burns, kidney problems, or even be fatal, so it’s best to avoid overdoing it.

But beyond this, intentionally cultivating American skunk cabbage is strictly prohibited in the UK, and allowing it to spread beyond your property could be illegal.

Depending on the seriousness of the matter, penalties may range from a warning to two years’ imprisonment for an indictable offence, as the Government is committed to stopping its spread.

This is mainly because the plant’s large, dense leaves cast a shadow that blocks other plants’ access to sunlight, reducing their survival. These plants were first introduced to the UK from the US in 1901 as decorative plants.

Today, they are present across British forests and waterways, thriving in marshy soils. To identify them, look for their distinctive yellow leaves and strong odour.

If you haven’t guessed yet, this smells like a skunk’s foul egg odour – so it’s best to remove affected plants before summer barbecues. Chemical pest control is the most effective way to stop their growth, and gardeners should then burn or properly dispose of the plant material.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is an infamously invasive species in the UK. It expands aggressively throughout gardens and is renowned for causing extraordinary damage to structures.

Although the plant might appear small, its roots can extend over two metres while seeking water. This expansion can break through paving stones, drainage systems, and even concrete, potentially resulting in lasting infrastructure harm.

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 get rid of these pesky plants, though expert attention is recommended in severe cases.

Giant hogweed

Initially, you might confuse this towering specimen with harmless cow parsley due to its feathery appearance and serrated leaves. However, this colossal plant is far from benign and requires extremely careful handling.

Giant hogweed, originally from Russia and Georgia, is infamous for its toxic properties; the chemical compound in its sap can trigger serious blistering and permanent scarring upon contact. Like the American skunk cabbage, its foliage creates significant shading problems for nearby plants, again threatening their existence.

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 attractive appearance, the Himalayan balsam shouldn’t be taken lightly. This imposing pink plant can cause chaos in your garden by ruthlessly suffocating other plants as it continues to grow in height.

Experts also indicate that each plant can disperse approximately 800 seeds, which can travel across a distance of 22 feet. Consequently, it’s essential to stop growth early to prevent a significant issue from emerging.

Again, weed killer can be employed to combat this, but removing the plants manually before they bloom and produce seeds is the better option to avoid harming other species.”Conservation authorities regularly organise ‘balsam bashing’ work parties to clear the weed from marshland and riverbanks,” the RHS has said previously.

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