Georgia gardeners love trying new things, but a few innocent-looking crops can land you in trouble fast. I found one on a friend’s patio once and had to break the news that it wasn’t actually allowed.
It’s the kind of rule that surprises almost everyone. Before planting something new this season, it helps to know which crops could cause a knock on the door.
1. Kudzu
Known as “the vine that ate the South,” kudzu might look harmless at first glance. Originally brought from Japan to help with erosion, it quickly became Georgia’s most notorious invasive plant.
Growing up to a foot per day during summer months, kudzu smothers everything in its path including trees, buildings, and power lines. State law prohibits planting or cultivating this aggressive vine because it destroys native forests and costs millions in damage control.
Gardeners in Georgia must avoid this plant entirely, as even small patches can spiral out of control within weeks.
2. Japanese Honeysuckle
Sweet-smelling flowers might make this vine seem appealing for your Georgia backyard. However, Japanese honeysuckle has earned its spot on the state’s prohibited list for good reason.
Once established, it forms dense mats that choke out native wildflowers and shrubs. The vine climbs trees so aggressively that it can actually kill them by blocking sunlight.
Georgia law bans cultivation because this plant disrupts local ecosystems and crowds out important food sources for native wildlife. Your garden will be better off without it.
3. Chinese Privet
Many homeowners once planted this shrub as a quick-growing hedge without realizing the consequences. Chinese privet has become one of Georgia’s worst invasive species, taking over forests and stream banks throughout the state.
Birds eat the berries and spread seeds everywhere, creating thick stands that block native plants from growing. The shrub also changes soil chemistry, making it harder for other species to survive.
Georgia regulations now prohibit planting Chinese privet to protect natural areas from further invasion.
4. English Ivy
Picture-perfect on old brick walls, English ivy becomes a nightmare when it escapes into Georgia’s wild spaces. What starts as attractive ground cover quickly transforms into an ecological disaster.
The vine climbs trees and adds so much weight that branches break during storms. It also forms thick carpets on the forest floor that prevent native seedlings from sprouting.
Georgia has restricted this plant because it threatens biodiversity in natural areas. Homeowners should choose native alternatives that won’t wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
5. Bamboo (Running Varieties)
Dreaming of a peaceful bamboo garden? Think twice before planting running bamboo varieties in Georgia. While clumping types stay contained, running bamboo sends underground shoots called rhizomes far beyond where you plant them.
Neighbors have sued each other over bamboo invasions that crack foundations, break through driveways, and pop up dozens of feet away. Georgia restricts certain bamboo species because they’re nearly impossible to remove once established.
Check local ordinances carefully, as many counties have additional bans on these aggressive plants.
6. Giant Hogweed
With a name straight out of a fantasy novel, giant hogweed is no joke for Georgia gardeners. Standing up to 14 feet tall with dinner-plate-sized leaves, this plant might look impressive but it’s downright dangerous.
The sap contains toxic chemicals that cause severe burns and blisters when exposed to sunlight. Even brushing against it can land you in the hospital with painful injuries that scar permanently.
Georgia law strictly prohibits growing giant hogweed to protect public safety and prevent its spread into natural areas.
7. Cogongrass
Nicknamed “the seventh worst weed in the world,” cogongrass has earned its terrible reputation across Georgia. Originally from Asia, this grass might look ordinary but it’s incredibly destructive.
Sharp leaf edges can cut skin, and the plant crowds out everything else including crops and native vegetation. Cogongrass even increases wildfire intensity because it burns hotter than other plants.
Georgia strictly prohibits planting or transporting cogongrass. Landowners who discover it must report and eradicate infestations immediately to prevent further spread across the state.
8. Air Potato Vine
Producing strange potato-like bulbils that hang from vines, air potato seems like a curiosity worth growing. Georgia law says otherwise for excellent reasons.
Growing up to eight inches per day, this vine from Asia smothers native plants with alarming speed. The aerial bulbils drop to the ground and sprout new plants, creating infestations that overwhelm entire forest areas.
State regulations prohibit air potato cultivation because it threatens Georgia’s natural habitats. Even backyard specimens can spread into wild areas and cause lasting ecological damage throughout the region.
9. Johnsongrass
Once recommended as a forage crop, johnsongrass has become a farmer’s nightmare throughout Georgia. Growing up to seven feet tall, it invades agricultural fields and reduces crop yields dramatically.
The grass spreads through seeds and underground rhizomes, making it extremely difficult to eliminate. Young plants and regrowth can actually poison livestock by producing toxic cyanide compounds during stress periods.
Georgia classifies johnsongrass as a noxious weed, and landowners must prevent it from producing seeds. Deliberately planting this aggressive grass violates agricultural regulations across the state.
10. Giant Salvinia
Looking like tiny cabbage heads floating on water, giant salvinia is anything but cute for Georgia’s aquatic ecosystems. Originally sold as an aquarium plant, it has escaped into lakes and rivers with devastating results.
Doubling its coverage every few days during warm weather, giant salvinia forms mats up to two feet thick. These suffocate fish, block boat traffic, and destroy fishing and swimming areas.
Georgia prohibits possession, sale, and cultivation of giant salvinia. Anyone finding it must report locations immediately to help prevent further spread throughout state waterways.
11. Autumn Olive
Planted decades ago for wildlife food and erosion control, autumn olive has backfired spectacularly in Georgia. Birds love the berries and spread seeds everywhere, creating dense thickets that exclude native plants.
Capable of fixing nitrogen in soil, autumn olive actually changes habitat conditions to favor itself over other species. It invades fields, forests, and roadsides throughout the state.
Georgia now restricts planting autumn olive because it degrades natural areas and reduces biodiversity. Better native alternatives exist for wildlife food that won’t cause ecological problems.
12. Purple Loosestrife
Gorgeous purple flower spikes make loosestrife look perfect for wet spots in Georgia gardens. Appearances can be deceiving though.
Each plant produces millions of tiny seeds that spread through wind, water, and wildlife. Purple loosestrife invades wetlands and marshes, forming dense stands that crowd out cattails, sedges, and other native plants that wildlife depends on.
Georgia restricts this aggressive wetland invader to protect critical habitat areas. Gardeners should select native alternatives like swamp milkweed or cardinal flower that support local ecosystems instead of destroying them.