Warning Issued Against Planting Unknown Seeds Sent in Suspicious Packages

Several states have issued warnings against suspicious packages that appear to contain unknown seeds. Several residents across the U.S. have reported receiving unsolicited packages containing these seeds. While it’s unclear who exactly is sending the packages, it’s believed they originated from China since they typically have Chinese characters on the label. The seeds they contain have also not been directly identified, however they could be an invasive plant species. Anyone who receives these packages is urged not to plant them. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the reason this is so imperative is because “invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops.” The only way to effectively control the infestations is to never introduce the plants in the first place. Anyone who may have received one of these packages is asked to contact the Office of Plant Industry Services.