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Is Autumn olive illegal in South Carolina?
Sources (1)
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 South Carolina's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| State plant pest — plants (Clemson DPI official list, S.C. Code Regs. ch. 27 art. 10) | Elaeagnus umbellata | Autumn olive | Legally regulated — restrictions apply |
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?
Noxious-weed rules can require control or restrict moving the plant (including soil, seed and cuttings). Check the exact wording above and the linked law.
Native alternatives for South Carolina
- Canadian serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
- Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
- Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)
- American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Each is recorded as native to South Carolina 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 Illinois Indiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Tennessee Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on South Carolina'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.