You could be fined up to £20k for removing one of these 15 protected plants or trees from your own garden

You can't disturb or damage these protected plants

The world is filled with an estimated 390,900 different plant species, and while some are so common you can find them in almost every garden, others are dwindling in their numbers. These endangered plants are safeguarded across the UK and Europe to ensure they thrive for centuries to come.

Click or scroll to find out more about the protected plant species it’s illegal to remove from your garden...

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Bluebells are much-loved, characterised by their delicate, bell-shaped flowers with upturned tips. Bluebells are native to western Europe and can often be found in mature woodlands, tucked under towering trees. But they also grow along hedgerows and in fields, so it isn't impossible that you could find some growing in your garden.

If you do, then you must leave them to flourish, as they are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Regulations 1994 in Scotland. Tempting as it may be to pick a few for a spring posy, it’s actually a criminal offence to uproot them. The illegal trade of wild bluebells is also an offence and carries a fine of up to £5,000.

Ghost orchid (Epipogium aphyllum)

As rare as it is beautiful, the ghost orchid is considered to be the most endangered woodland plant in the UK, partly because it requires specific growing conditions to thrive.

The striking flower is also on the IUCN Red List and benefits from conservation status across the European Union. So, in the perhaps unlikely event that you spot one growing on your land, you'll want to admire it from a distance and perhaps even report your findings to a registered wildlife body, like the Woodland Trust.

Meadow clary (Salvia pratensis)

The meadow clary is another striking flower that's protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA), meaning it’s illegal to pick, uproot, or damage it.

This enchanting flower features long stems, decorated with spikes of violet, white, or pink flowers. Sadly, it's been left vulnerable due to a loss of habitat, so anyone lucky enough to find one growing on their land should simply let it flourish.

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Named after its two beautiful bell-like flowers that grow on slender stems, the Twinflower is one of the UK’s most endangered plants. Sadly, its numbers have declined by 44% since the 1970s, after native woodlands were cleared.

The rare flower only grows in Scotland, in open pine woods, but there’s a chance that one could find its way onto your land if you live in the right location. If you spot one, you know what to do – nothing!

Alpine blue sow thistle (Cicerbita alpina)

Delicate and pretty in equal measure, the Alpine blue sow thistle was assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2010 and was listed as Least Concern. However, it is listed as a critically endangered and vulnerable species in the UK, so this plant should be left to its own devices if spotted.

However, it tends to grow on mountains across Europe (including the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and the Scottish Highlands), so it's unlikely you will find one in your backyard.

Lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus)

Most orchids have amazing names, and the lady's slipper is no exception. Also known as the slipper orchid, this striking flower blooms in spring and benefits from lovely red and yellow petals that are said to resemble a woman's shoe. Once widespread across the UK in areas like Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire, the plant suffered severely as a result of over-collecting and loss of habitat.

Now, the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is leading a project to bring the plant back from near extinction.

Crested cow-wheat (Melampyrum cristatum)

With its bold, toothed leaves that grow around pink and yellow flowerheads, this impressive plant is cunning. Described as semi-parasitic, it utilises nearby host plants to top up its reserves.

Unfortunately, the crested cow-wheat has declined in numbers due to habitat loss, but can still be found throughout Europe, though rarely. In the UK, the flower can now only be found in East Anglia. So it goes without saying that if you come across one, you'll want to leave it well alone.

Liking this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveMONEY

Slender cottongrass (Eriophorum gracile)

Incredibly delicate and undeniably enchanting, the slender cottongrass features thin green stems topped with cotton ball-like fluff. The flower can be found in bogs, meadows, and mountains across the Northern Hemisphere and is specifically designated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Therefore, it's protected in the UK, as well as other parts of Europe and the United States. Although it's unlikely any will pop up in your garden, if they do, you're advised to let them thrive.

Lizard orchid (Himantoglossum hircinum)

The lizard orchid is a protected species in Europe, particularly in the UK. This unique plant is considered extremely rare and vulnerable to extinction. With a flower that features what looks like the head, legs, and tail of a lizard, the plant grows in chalky grasslands and dunes.

So, if you happen to live in such conditions, you could find yourself with one growing in your back garden. If so, then just enjoy it from a distance.

One-flowered wintergreen (Moneses uniflora)

The one-flowered wintergreen is so rare that it can only be found in the pine woods of northeast Scotland. Even there, the plant is only seen in a very small area, so it’s said to be going locally extinct.

With its skinny stalk and single, delicate flower with white petals, this woodland wonder is one that we all need to do our bit to protect. While it's unlikely you'll find one in your garden, you never know...

Floating water-plantain (Luronium natans)

The floating water-plantain is the only recognised species in the genus Luronium that's native to western and central Europe, including Spain, Britain, and Norway. The aquatic plant grows in shallow water and wet swampy areas, and boasts oval floating leaves and pretty three-petalled flowers in bright white. 

Extremely rare, it is a protected plant species in the UK and Europe, so anyone who finds one growing on their land is advised to stay clear and leave the plant to bloom.

Early spider orchid (Ophrys sphegodes)

Another rare and protected orchid, the early spider orchid is truly beautiful. Despite its name, the flower resembles a bumblebee and even releases a special pheromone each spring, which attracts male solitary bees.

These bees mistake the flower for a female and simultaneously help the plant to pollinate. How's that for clever? The plant is classed as Nationally Scarce in the UK and is protected in many other countries, too, including Spain.

Snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris)

Undeniably one of the world's most stunning plants, the snake's head fritillary boasts pretty lantern-shaped flowers, with an unusual checkerboard pattern.

Often located in wet meadows, these gorgeous flowers have become critically endangered, due mainly to climate change and the agricultural practice of draining land to grow crops. While not endangered, it is classified as Vulnerable on the Vascular Plant Red Data List for Great Britain, so anyone with one growing in the garden should leave it well alone.

Tree preservation orders

It isn't just certain plants that homeowners need to protect, either. Some trees are safeguarded under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), which is a formal order created by a local planning authority, making it an offence to prune, cut, uproot, damage, or destroy said tree without the authority’s permission.

Protected trees tend to be of historic importance or are located within a conservation area. If you deliberately damage or remove a protected tree, you could be liable to pay a fine of up to £20,000, according to the Woodland Trust. So, before you tackle that tree, do your research.

A word on fungi

It's also worth noting that there are dozens of protected fungi species in the UK and Europe, like the marsh honey fungus, bearded tooth, and dark-purple earthtongue (amazing names, we know!).

If you're lucky enough to have any unusual mushrooms growing in your garden, it's worth doing your due diligence to establish what type they are before touching them. And almost certainly avoid eating any unidentified fungi!

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveMONEY