> At a Glance
> – 1,101 unsolicited seed packages from China collected in Texas since February 2025
> – Most recent package intercepted on December 29, 2025
> – Sacred lotus seeds identified by USDA as invasive aquatic plant
> – Why it matters: These seeds could introduce invasive species threatening Texas crops, gardens, and food supply
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has renewed warnings about mysterious seed packages arriving from China, with 1,101 packages collected across more than 100 Texas locations since February 2025. The unsolicited deliveries, which began in 2020, continue to pose serious risks to the state’s agricultural and environmental safety.
The Ongoing Threat
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) emphasizes that these seemingly harmless packages could conceal dangerous invasive species. Officials stress that recipients should never open, plant, or trash the packages, as landfill disposal could still allow seeds to germinate.
Commissioner Miller warned:
> “At a glance, this might seem like a small problem, but this is serious business. The possible introduction of an invasive species to the state via these seeds poses real risks to Texas families and the agriculture industry.”
National Pattern Emerges
The phenomenon extends beyond Texas borders. Similar cases have surfaced in:
- Ohio
- New Mexico
- Alabama
One Texas resident in Clute received seeds accompanied by an unknown liquid, prompting broader investigation across multiple states.
What Officials Found
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service identified the contents as:
| Component | Identification |
|---|---|
| Seeds | Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) |
| Liquid | Nutrient solution |
| Status | Invasive aquatic plant |
While sacred lotus isn’t classified as a noxious weed federally, Wisconsin prohibits the plant. The USDA is destroying all seeds using steam sterilization.
How to Respond
Texans who receive suspicious packages should:
- Keep packages completely sealed
- Do not open, plant, or trash them
- Contact TDA immediately at 1-800-TELL-TDA
Commissioner Miller emphasized:
> “Whether it’s part of an ongoing scam or something more sinister, we are determined to protect Texans. Unsolicited seeds coming into our country are a risk to American agriculture, our environment, and public safety.”
Key Takeaways
- 1,101 packages collected since February 2025 across Texas
- Sacred lotus seeds identified as invasive species risk
- December 29, 2025 marked the most recent confirmed package
- Brushing scam suspected, but biological threats remain possible
- USDA-TDA partnership handles collection, testing, and disposal
The TDA continues working with federal partners to track and eliminate these shipments before they can establish invasive populations in Texas ecosystems.
