You risk a fine if you have one of these plants in your garden

Not only animal species, but also plant species are subjected to specific limitations to preserve the well-being of the environment and of other plant and animal species.
Often when we think of plants that are banned or have specific limits, only those from which narcotic substances are obtained come to mind, but in reality there are several other reasons for the ban.
The European Regulation n.
1143/2014, in fact, provides specific provisions on invasive alien species.
The list is very long and also contains plants that have now spread to our territory, after having been imported more or less voluntarily.
According to experts, however, it is necessary to control their reproduction and sometimes even eradicate them, so that they do not cause damage to the territory.
Consequently, those who grow prohibited plants in their garden, vegetable patch or even simply in their home risk a rather steep fine because they put the entire ecosystem at risk.
The selected plants, in fact, also have notable diffusion and resistance capabilities which makes them particularly fearsome.
Here's what you need to know.
Which plants are prohibited The European Union has banned the spread of some invasive exotic plant species in member countries, considered dangerous for the territory.
These plants can in fact interfere with local species, alter natural habitats and ecosystems and generate significant economic damage, especially in the agricultural sector and in the exploitation of forestry-pastoral resources, but also dangers for human health.
Many of these plants originating from other areas of the world are already present in our territory, which is why it is mandatory to report their possession to the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security through the appropriate portal in order to allow their control and eradication, if necessary, within 180 days of publication in the Official Journal.
In Italy the reference law is Legislative Decree no.
230/2017 which prohibits the possession, cultivation and sale of invasive species.
The list of prohibited plants is periodically updated according to the needs and problems of the area and published in the Official Journal.
For the moment, there are four lists of prohibited species (including animals and plants) in force, for a total of 88 specimens.
Below are 10 prohibited plants, among the most common in our territory and therefore of greatest interest, with common and scientific names: Ambrosia (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.); Glandulifera balsam (Impatiens glandulifera); Leafy earwig (Bidens frondosus L.); Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes); Mantegazza hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum); Nuttal's water plague (Elodea nuttallii); Large-flowered porracchia (Ludwigia grandiflora); Pueraria (Pueraria lobata); Giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria); Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.).
This, however, is the link to the relevant community legislation, from where it is possible to consult all the approved lists with greater precision.
However, exceptions to the ban are foreseen, mainly for study, research and medical treatment reasons, which in any case require prior authorization from the Ministry of the Environment.
What risks those who have these plants in the garden? Anyone who grows plants belonging to prohibited species in their garden or generally releases them into the environment risks imprisonment for up to 3 years or a fine of 10,000 to 150,000 euros.
Confiscation or destruction of the specimens may follow, without any right to compensation.
Anyone who sells prohibited plants or places them on the market is also subject to the same penalty.
A mitigating circumstance is foreseen, with the reduction of the sentence by a third, in the event that the crime is committed through negligence.
However, it will be necessary to be able to demonstrate this circumstance, for example in the case in which it was the seller who deceived the person who bought the plant or seeds.
However, it must be considered that it is everyone's duty to know the law, therefore the fault cannot be based on lack of knowledge of it, but rather on having committed the act without intending to violate it.
In any case, these are prohibited species, therefore certainly difficult to find and sold at a high price.
Generally, it should be possible to realize that the purchase of plants or seeds does not take place in the traditional way, even for those who are not experts in botany and do not recognize the nomenclature.
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