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These invasive plants could cause serious damage

Spear thistle, curled dock and giant hogweed are among the nine 'criminal' plants that could land you with a hefty fine, the experts have warned.

While it is not illegal to grow these problem plants in your garden, it's vital that households control their spread to prevent further damage to neighbouring properties and potential danger to animals.

Some invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, have a bamboo-like stem that can spread rapidly. If left unattended, it has been known to damage building structures by targeting cracks in masonry and attempting to grow through them. Meanwhile, common ragwort can cause liver poisoning in horses and livestock due to the toxin it contains.

"Invasive non-native species of plants have usually arrived in the UK free from the creatures which munch on them and prevent them becoming dominant. As very few of our native herbivores are able to eat these plants they can become aggressive and drown out other native species of plants," Terry Smithson, Biodiversity Manager and Ecologist at Bioscapes, tells The Express.

"Himalayan balsam, for example, has become so abundant along our watercourses that it has smothered most of the native plants and grasses. Unfortunately as Himalayan balsam dies back in the winter it makes the now bare banks very vulnerable to erosion and damage."

Slipping on your gardening gloves this summer? The government explains that it's your responsibility to stop invasive plants in their tracks. "If you find invasive non-native plants on your land, you must stop them from spreading and causing a nuisance or damage to other land or property. If you do not, you could be responsible for any damage they cause and may be prosecuted," reads the statement.

Take a look at the full list of plants and their images below...

Give your garden plants some love this summer with this useful multi-tool. Finished in titanium with brass fixings, this tool features six different functions including secateurs, a root remover, knife, saw, bottle opener and an easy weeding utensil. 

Protect your knees when gardening with this practical green kneeler and seat. It has been made with steel tubes and comfortable polypropylene foam so you can garden comfortably. There's also a small pouch on the side, making it easy to pop your tools in as you work. 

Protect your hands with these practical grey gardening gloves, made from a comfortable nylon and spandex liner. Best suited for potting and pruning, they have breathable lining and a nitrile grip coating. 

Developed alongside Kew Garden's horticultural team, this set features a weedfork, hand trowel and transplanting trowel. Ideal if you're on the hunt for a gift. 

Crafted from wood and stainless steel, this lovely garden tool set is just what every gardener needs. The leather hooks make it easy to hang up in a shed, while the trowel has been marked in centimetres and inches to make planting easier than ever. 

Every garden needs a wheelbarrow. In a classic green, this lightweight style from Argos is ideal for gardening, DIY work and equestrian uses. 

With a longer handle to ease back strain, this stainless digging spade has been created for all digging jobs. As well as this, the hardened steel blade is rust-resistant and will hold its edge without regular sharpening. Perfect for every avid gardener. 

Keep your plants happy and healthy with this terracotta watering can. Designed by Shane Schneck, it boasts a no-spill lip and a shape that keeps water weight at its base. 

Tried and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, this garden fork from Sophie Conran is a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Made of stainless steel with a waxed beechwood handle, it has sharpened tines which cut through hard and soft soil very easily.

When life gives you lemons...buy a stylish kneeler pillow. With a generous size and soft foam filling, you can be sure to tackle those weeds comfortably without any pain. 

Looking for some summer seeds? This pack includes thyme, mixed herbs, oregano and summer savoury, too. Ideal to spruce up a tired-looking lawn patch.  

READ MORE: Plant these 11 wildflowers to create a bee motorway in your garden

You'll find eight handy tools in this set, including pruning shears, a hand trowel, transplanter, weeder, cultivator, hand rake, gardening gloves and a tote bag. At just £40, it's a real steal buy. 

Trim your hedge just as you like with these 66cm topiary shears. Ideal for trimming and shaping, they have narrow pointed blades, rubber shock absorbers and a long length ergonomic design. 

READ MORE: How to get rid of moles in the garden

Providing high performance cutting with a clean finish, this grass trimmer from Bosch has an easy edging function which enables quick changes from trimming to edging. Ideal for reaching those tricker spots with ease. 

Sweep up leaves and fallen debris with this practical wooden rake from Garden Trading. Crafted from Beech, the strong wooden handle offers support, while the prongs allow for effective raking. 

Presented in a beautiful box, this set includes a trowel and secateurs. Featuring artwork from the RHS Lindley Library, they're both a stylish and practical addition to any garden. 

This electric lawnmower helps you to cut through long grass with ease, thanks to its innovative inset grass combs and lightweight design. 

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