PlantLegitIs it illegal? › Amur honeysuckle › Kentucky
Is Amur honeysuckle illegal in Kentucky?
Sources (3)
Also called: bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Amur honeysuckle is not listed.
What Kentucky's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-of-way noxious weed, control list (KRS 176.051; 603 KAR 3:100) — highway crews must eradicate it on state rights-of-way; not a sale ban | Lonicera maackii | Amur honeysuckle | Not a sale ban — control-only list |
Effective dates
- The official list entry does not state a separate effective date for this species. See the linked law for when the listing took effect.
Already have it in your yard?
Control lists can require landowners or agencies to control or eradicate the plant. The list says it is not a sale ban, but control duties may apply to you as a landowner.
Native alternatives for Kentucky
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
- Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
- Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)
- American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Each is recorded as native to Kentucky in the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database state distribution (retrieved 2026-10-14). Check size, sun and soil fit for your site with your local Extension office.
More native swaps with hardiness, light and size →
Amur honeysuckle in other states
Connecticut Delaware Illinois Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Tennessee Vermont Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on Kentucky's invasive & noxious plant lists, or check any plant.
Not legal advice. PlantLegit summarizes official lists and links the source. Laws change, local (county/city) rules may add restrictions, and the official text controls. "What it means" is our plain-English label; read the exact list wording. Confirm with the agency before buying, selling or removing plants. Full disclaimer.