Cultivation of these plants is prohibited in Poland. Fine or imprisonment

Author: prepared by JKB • Source: Rynek Zdrowia • Published: 09 June 2025 10:50

The owner of a garden faces a high financial penalty if he or she grows plants known as invasive alien species (IOS). The fine can be really big, and in extreme cases, even prison.

A garden is more than just a hobby for a senior – it is a natural form of therapy. Regular gardening engages the entire body : it improves muscle fitness, supports motor coordination and balance, which helps reduce the risk of falls.

Spending time outdoors promotes the synthesis of vitamin D , which is crucial for healthy bones and immunity.

Exercise in nature lowers blood pressure , stabilizes blood sugar levels and reduces inflammation that increases with age.

But a garden also has an effect on the psyche – it calms, soothes and gives a sense of agency. A senior who sees the effects of his work feels needed and fulfilled. Plants teach patience, and taking care of them gives rhythm to the day. T

o important, especially after retirement, when many people lose their daily structure. Growing vegetables or herbs also gives you better control over your diet - it's a step towards a healthier lifestyle without having to give up pleasures. Your own garden doesn't have to be big - a few boxes on the balcony or a flower bed by the house are enough to reap real health and emotional benefits from contact with nature.

However, so that growing your own plants does not become a cause for trouble, it is worth knowing that the cultivation of some species is prohibited in Poland.

Biznes Interia points out that new, stricter regulations are in force regarding IGOs ​​- these are animals, plants, fungi and other living organisms of foreign origin that do not naturally occur in a given ecosystem.

In addition, they have the ability to quickly occupy land and displace native species. First of all, IGOs ​​pose a threat to native species and are also harmful to the economy.

As the portal reminds, possession of IGOs ​​can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. In connection with this, the highest penalty applies to trade in these species, their transport, keeping without a permit and avoiding the destruction of IGOs ​​within the specified time.

The highest penalty is imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years. In addition, there is a penalty for acting unknowingly: in this case we are talking about a fine, restriction of freedom, or 2 years in prison. It is worth remembering that financial penalties can reach up to PLN 1,000,000.

Biznes Interia calculates that the list of prohibited species is divided into three groups:

• species that threaten the entire European Union and must be eliminated without fail,
• species not on the EU list but threatening Polish fauna and flora,
• alien species that have already spread.

The list of invasive alien species posing a threat to the EU includes 41 plants. Among them are species such as (via Biznes Interia);

• Ailanthus glandularis,
• mesquite catkin,
• crocodile alternatera,
• American milkweed,
• Impatiens glandulifera,
• carolina cabomba,
• Chilean gunnera,
• Sosnowsky's hogweed,
• patch resistor,
• Japanese hops,
• buttercup pennywort,
• oak-leaved gymnocoronis,
• American tubeworm,
• Brazilian water milfoil,
• tallow dragon.

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