Gardening in Texas comes with surprises, and this one might catch you off guard. Some of the most common plants people grow could actually land you in trouble with the law.
From familiar favorites to unexpected picks, these 12 plants aren’t as harmless as they look. Let’s uncover which ones you’ll want to think twice about planting in your Texas garden.
1. Water Hyacinth
These floating plants with lavender blooms might look innocent, but they’re major troublemakers in Texas waterways. They form thick mats that choke out native species and disrupt boat traffic.
The Lone Star State has banned their sale and transport because one plant can multiply into thousands within weeks. Their rapid growth has caused millions in damage to Texas ecosystems.
2. Chinese Tallow
Often planted for its beautiful fall colors, this tree has become a serious problem across Texas. Its waxy white berries spread easily by birds and water, allowing it to take over native habitats rapidly.
The roots release chemicals that prevent other plants from growing nearby. Texas landowners are now encouraged to remove these trees from their property to help protect the state’s natural ecosystems.
3. Kudzu
Known as “the vine that ate the South,” kudzu can grow up to a foot per day in ideal conditions. The aggressive climber smothers everything in its path, including trees, power lines, and buildings.
While less common in Texas than in other southern states, it’s still regulated. The plant was originally introduced from Japan as an ornamental and for erosion control before its invasive nature became apparent.
4. Brazilian Peppertree
With its bright red berries and evergreen foliage, this plant might seem like a perfect landscape addition. However, it’s considered one of the most aggressive invasive species in Texas coastal areas.
The plant produces chemicals that inhibit growth of native vegetation. Texas has banned its sale and transport, as it forms dense thickets that displace native plants and provide poor habitat for wildlife.
5. Chinaberry
Once a popular shade tree, Chinaberry is now recognized as highly invasive in Texas. The yellow berries may look pretty, but they’re toxic to humans and some animals, posing a risk to curious children and pets.
The tree spreads aggressively through both seeds and root sprouts. Many Texas counties now actively work to remove these trees from public lands to protect native plant communities.
6. Japanese Honeysuckle
The sweet fragrance might bring back childhood memories, but this vine is actually strangling Texas ecosystems. Its aggressive growth allows it to climb over and smother native vegetation, blocking sunlight from reaching other plants.
Birds spread the seeds widely across the Lone Star State. While not completely banned, many Texas conservation groups strongly discourage planting it and recommend removing existing vines.
7. Elephant Ear
Those massive, heart-shaped leaves make a dramatic statement in gardens, but wild elephant ear is regulated in Texas. The plant can escape cultivation and invade wetland areas, crowding out native species.
All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe irritation. Texas gardeners should check local regulations before planting, as some varieties are more invasive than others in the state’s warm climate.
8. Vitex
Also called the chaste tree, this purple-flowering beauty was once recommended for Texas landscapes. Now it’s recognized as invasive in many areas, particularly along waterways where it displaces native willows and other riparian plants.
The prolific seeds are easily spread by water and wildlife throughout Texas. While still sold in some nurseries, conservation-minded gardeners are now removing them from their properties.
9. Mimosa Tree
The feathery pink flowers might look tropical and inviting, but mimosa trees are considered invasive in parts of Texas. They produce abundant seeds that germinate easily, allowing them to spread rapidly into natural areas.
These fast-growing trees can reach 20-40 feet tall in Texas. Their shallow roots make them prone to toppling in storms, creating potential hazards in residential areas.
10. Bamboo
While not all bamboo is illegal, running bamboo varieties can become a nightmare in Texas neighborhoods. Their underground rhizomes can travel 20+ feet beyond where they’re planted, emerging in neighboring yards without warning.
Some Texas municipalities have ordinances against certain bamboo types. Always choose clumping varieties rather than running ones if you’re determined to grow bamboo in your Lone Star garden.
11. Nandina
Commonly called heavenly bamboo, this shrub with bright red berries is popular in Texas landscapes. However, it’s increasingly recognized as invasive as birds spread the seeds into natural areas.
The berries contain cyanide compounds toxic to cedar waxwings and other birds native to Texas. Gardeners are now encouraged to choose native alternatives or at least remove the berries before they can spread.
12. Privet
This common hedge plant might seem harmless, but several privet species are considered highly invasive in Texas. The small white flowers produce thousands of berries that birds spread into natural areas.
Once established, privet forms dense thickets that prevent native plant regeneration. Texas forest managers spend considerable resources trying to control privet invasions in natural areas throughout the state.