As relaxing as a hobby as it might be, gardening can actually be quite stressful at times—if not illegal! Yes, there are some things you just can’t plant in your backyard, no matter how many green thumbs you have. Whether it’s to protect endangered species or because of health concerns, here are ten foods and plants that you can’t grow in America.
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Ackee Fruit
When it’s ripe, it’s delicious. Yet ackee is extremely dangerous if it’s unripe because of its toxins. As such, the U.S. has strict regulations on ackee products. Growing it in your garden simply isn’t worth the risk. The FDA wants to protect everyone from any potential poisoning and that’s something we can all get behind.
Purple Loosestrife
There’s no denying that the purple loosestrife looks pretty incredible and that’s one of the reasons why people grow it. Unfortunately, many American states classify it as an invasive species because it can quickly take over wetlands. The purple loosestrife can completely disrupt local ecosystems.
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Blackcurrants
Did you know that growing blackcurrants was once illegal in America? Yes—government officials banned it to protect the logging industry, as blackcurrant plants can be hosts to a fungus that can kill white pine trees. Thankfully, the ban has disappeared in most places, although there are some states where growing blackcurrants is illegal. These include New Hampshire and North Carolina.
Chinese Privet
Originally from China, Chinese Privet made its way to the U.S. in 1852 and quickly became a problem. It’s seen as an invasive species and is also toxic to humans. If you’re in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, or Texas, growing this plant is completely illegal. Don’t risk it!
Johnson grass
Johnson grass is another tough plant. Unfortunately, that’s one of the reasons it’s illegal to grow in some parts of America. Johnson grass spreads like wildfire and is pretty toxic to livestock. This Mediterranean plant can quickly overtake fields and natural habitats, which is why Missouri has taken steps to ban its growth.
Cogon grass
In 1912, farmers accidentally imported cogon grass from East Africa. It has been a major nuisance since then. Cogon grass can destroy entire ecosystems because it competes with native plants and changes fire regimes. Because of these threats, cogon grass is illegal to grow in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas & Virginia.
Garlic Mustard
Even though garlic mustard first came over as a medicinal plant in 1868, it’s a pretty awful plant. It spreads way too quickly and changes soil chemistry, making it hard for native plants to survive. As such, the plant has been banned in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, Washington & West Virginia.
Creeping Thistle
Creeping thistle, or Canada thistle, has been in America for a while, having come over from Europe in the 1600s. Sadly, it isn’t the type to stay in one spot. It spreads fast and can take over a garden or field, which is why states like California, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Washington have banned it. Once creeping thistle takes root, getting rid of it is a real pain.
Japanese Barberry
Don’t let the pretty looks fool you—Japanese barberry is trouble. Since 1875, many people have admired its striking reddish leaves and bright yellow flowers but the Japanese barberry has a dark side. It’s a perfect hiding spot for ticks that carry Lyme disease. To protect people and native plant life, states like Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York & Pennsylvania banned it.
Fig Buttercup
When it first came to America, people thought the fig buttercup was a beautiful plant. And that’s still true. However, it turned out to be anything but harmless because it’s toxic to humans and it doesn’t get along with local plants. It actually sometimes takes over entire areas! South Carolina has recognized the threat and banned it to keep local ecosystems safe.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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