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Is Autumn olive illegal in Illinois?
Sources (3)
Also called: Elaeagnus umbellata. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Autumn olive is not listed.
What Illinois's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exotic weed (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1100.30, Illinois Exotic Weed Act) — no buying, selling, distributing or planting without an IDNR permit | Elaeagnus umbellata | autumn olive | Yes — listed as prohibited |
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?
Most state invasive-plant laws, including the list wording above, target selling, distributing, propagating or planting. They generally do not order you to remove a plant already in your yard, but some noxious-weed laws do require control. Read the linked law or ask your county Extension office.
Native alternatives for Illinois
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
- Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
- Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)
- American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Each is recorded as native to Illinois 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 →
Autumn olive in other states
Connecticut Delaware Indiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio South Carolina Tennessee Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on Illinois'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.