State of Iowa Says Don't Plant These Seeds If You Receive in Mail

People all across the U.S. have reported getting seed packets in the mail, similar to the one above, recently. The seeds have been delivered to unsuspecting people, in packaging from China and other countries. What are they and what should you do with them? The first question is a difficult one, but the second one is not. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says DO NOT plant them.

According to CNN, items like seeds and plants that are shipped to the United States from other countries are regulated by what's called the Plant Protection and Quarantine Program. When seeds are imported into the U.S., a certificate must be with them. The 'phytosanitary certificate' assures the seeds have no diseases or pests. The unexplained seeds being received across the U.S. don't include that certificate.

The United States Department of Agriculture is also concerned the seeds could be some type of invasive plant, which Iowa's News Now reports "can be harmful to both plants and animals in the United States."

According to the New York Times, more than half of U.S. states have now issued warnings about the seeds, including the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. They issued the tweets below Monday afternoon.

For now, hang onto the seeds. Don't plant them or throw them away. If you receive a package of seeds that you didn't order that appear to be from a foreign country, contact the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship HERE or contact the National Plant Board in Iowa at (515) 725-1470.