USDA: 'Mystery seeds' include common plants, herbs but still should not be opened

Scientists have found that the “mystery seeds” being sent to addresses across the country represent at least 14 varieties of plants and herbs, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official said.

And while many of them are common — mint, rosemary, sage — federal officials said not to plant them, though USDA officials said they are not aware of any health risks related to the seeds.

The seeds include “mustard, cabbage, morning glory and some of the herbs,” said Osama El-Lissy, a deputy director with the USDA’s Plant Protection program. “Then there are other seeds like hibiscus and roses. This is just a subset of the samples we’ve collected so far.”

The USDA encourages recipients to save the seeds and the packaging in which they arrive, and contact their state plant regulatory official.

In Pennsylvania, that is Dana Rhodes, with the Agriculture Department’s Plant Protection Division. The USDA also advises mailing the seeds to USDA APHIS PPQ, 401 E. Louther St., Ste. 102, Carlisle, PA 17013.

The unopened seed packet and packaging can be placed into a sealable bag and then into a mailing envelope, along with a phone number to provide additional information if necessary.

Residents of 22 states have reported receiving the seeds as of Aug. 4.

State agriculture officials said the seeds — many of which have been labeled as jewelry — may be part of a scam known as “brushing,” in which companies boost online sales by purchasing products using fake buyer accounts.

The products are then shipped to a real address, and the seller writes a positive review using the fake buyer account.