Did You Know These 4 Plants Are Illegal To Grow In Texas?

Did you know Texas has a list of plants you’re not allowed to grow? That's right. Some plants are considered a dangerous problem and the state has said “nope” to having them in your garden.

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As it turns out, TexasInvasives.org has an entire database of noxious and invasive plants in Texas. I was surprised by how many could land you in hot water. Let's look at a few of these and see why they’re on Texas’ naughty list.

LOOK: DID YOU KNOW THESE 4 PLANTS ARE ILLEGAL TO GROW IN TEXAS?

Opium Poppy

This plant is the source of opium, which can be used to make drugs like heroin. Because of its association with illegal drugs, growing this plant in your backyard is a definite no-go in Texas, as well as pretty much everywhere else in the U.S.

Marijuana

Next up are plants like Marijuana (Cannabis), which remains illegal to grow in Texas for recreational use. The state takes this very seriously, and getting caught with a cannabis plant could surely land you in some big-time trouble.

Water Hyacinth

It’s illegal to grow this plant because it’s an invasive species. It grows super fast and takes over waterways, choking out other plants and disturbing ecosystems. It’s such a problem that it’s been banned to prevent it from harming local habitats.

Giant Reed

This tall grass can grow up to 20 feet high and, like the Water Hyacinth, can quickly take over landscapes, pushing out plants and animals. It’s also a fire hazard and sucks up a ton of water which is why Texas isn’t having it.

The above are just a few plants frowned on in the Lone Star State so it’s important to know the rules of the game. It's all about protecting not only public health but also ecosystems. Before you decide to plant something new, make sure it’s not on the list of Texas’ forbidden flora.