Warning over UK's seven 'most invasive' plants that could be lurking in your garden

Households are being warned about seven of the UK's most invasive plants that could be lurking in your garden. Homeowners are being advised to undertake an autumn purge to rid their gardens of any intrusive plant species which could cause havoc by next summer if left unchecked.

Ecologists from Arbtech have identified seven species of non-native plants that have become widespread in the UK and which can cause issues if left to grow unchecked.

The experts say even the most diligent gardeners can fall victim to an invasion of these species but advise that autumn is a great time to tackle any unwanted plants which have managed to grow in your garden.

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Japanese Knotweed is probably the best known invasive species and can present a real headache for homeowners. But there are others that are widespread and often found in residential gardens such as Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam.

These species are listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) 1981, which makes it an offence to cause the spread of these species, due to the risk posed to native floral species.

The seven biggest plant invaders of UK gardens:

• Giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria)

• Curly waterweed (Lagarosiphon major)

• Floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)

• Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

• Himalayan balsam (Impatiens gladulifera)

• Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatumi)

• Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)

The experts from Arbtech have also named a further 27 species of non native plants which, while not yet fully widespread across Britain, still pose a hazard to gardeners in many parts of the country. These include Alligator Weed, Balloon Vine, Persian Hogweed and the inappropriately named Tree of Heaven.

Arbtech’s experts say anyone planning to develop land should consider doing a full invasive plants survey to discover exactly which species are present so they can reassure planning officers that they won’t pose a problem.

A spokesperson for Arbtech said: “There are many invasive species of plants which, while not native to the UK, have managed to establish themselves here over many years. By their very nature these plants are usually fast growing and are able to spread vigorously.

“Left unchecked they can create all manner of problems for homeowners from structural damage to presenting a potentially lethal threat to pets if eaten. They are usually viewed as weeds although some of them can appear quite attractive and many gardeners can be forgiven for confusing them with flowers and not realising just how much of a problem they present.

“Council planning departments are generally aware of the threat these invasive plant species can present and many will insist on a survey that determines the potential for impacts to invasive species before granting planning permission for a scheme to ensure any invasive species have been identified and dealt with appropriately."

They continued: “By naming the seven most widespread invasive plant species along with a further 27 species we believe households should be on the lookout for, we hope to be able to help gardeners identify issues before they become too problematic.

“This is a good time of the year to get out into the garden and to examine everything that has grown in flower beds and borders. Gardeners should ask themselves if each plant really belongs there and if it could be an invasive species?

“These plants can get a toe-hold anywhere and often aren’t spotted until they have begun to spread exponentially across a garden and even a neighbourhood.

“By tackling them in autumn you are giving your garden a chance to bloom once again next spring without your plants having to compete with invaders for light, water and nutrients.

“If you are planning a development and are concerned about invasive species our ecologists are available to conduct full surveys which will help with your planning application.”

To read more about the seven most widespread invasive species and to see the full list of the 27 other invaders households should look out for, visit: https://arbtech.co.uk/ecology-surveys/invasive-species/