The Mystery Seeds: Don’t Plant, Don’t Flush, Just Report.

Texans are receiving items in the mail that could be dangerous!

A Warning About Seed Packages

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging Texans to keep an eye out for unsolicited seed packets. This isn’t a new occurrence. The Texas Department of Agriculture has been dealing with this situation since February 2025. The first incident involved a Clute, Texas, resident who received an unsolicited package sent from China, containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid. As of now, the state has collected over one thousand seed packets from 109 different locations across the state of Texas.

Agricultural Biosecurity Threat

The danger associated with the seeds showing up in Texan’s mailboxes is the possible introduction of an invasive species to the state. In essence, the seeds are an agricultural biosecurity threat. If you receive seeds in the mail...do not plant them or throw them out. Mail the seeds to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Texas Isn’t the Only Target

We now know that Texas is not the only state receiving dangerous seeds in the mail. Similar reports were recorded with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Why Are the Seeds Being Mailed to Texas?

State officials refer to it as a “brushing” scam. A brushing scam is the practice of mailing cheap items in an effort to obtain fake verified reviews to boost sales online. The goal may not be to spread an invasive species, but the result could be the introduction of an invasive species into the state of Texas.If you receive an unsolicited package, do not open its contents; instead, keep them sealed in their original packaging and contact the Texas Department of Agriculture immediately at 1-(800) TELL-TDA for guidance and safe collection.

Invasive Plants in Texas

These are some invasive plants already in Texas.

Giant Salvinia

This floating fern originally from southern Brazil blocks out sunlight and decreases oxygen in water, often killing aquatic life. Salvinia can double in size in a week.

Hydrilla

Hydrilla spreads extremely fast...up to one inch a day. The Asian plant is used in aquariums but entered the Texas water supply after aquarium water was poured out.

Water Hyacinth

This South America native chokes out aquatic life by reducing oxygen in the water. It is also a favorite home to mosquitoes.

The Chinese Tallow Tree

This tree has been in the United States for hundreds of years, often used as a landscape plant. The problem is due to its ability to easily spread.