PlantLegitIs it illegal? › Border privet › Virginia
Is Border privet illegal in Virginia?
Sources (6)
- 2VAC5-317-20 Tier 1/2/3 noxious weeds (VDACS; eff. July 4, 2024) – Virginia Legislative Information System
- 2VAC5-317 full chapter (prohibitions, permits) – Virginia Legislative Information System
- VDACS Noxious Weeds program – Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- VA DCR Invasive Plant Species List 2024 – Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia Code § 15.2-901.1 – Running bamboo control by localities (Virginia Legislative Information System)
- Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1 (effective Jan 1, 2027) — retail signage for 39 invasive species – Virginia Legislative Information System
Also called: Ligustrum obtusifolium. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Border privet is not listed.
What Virginia's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCR invasive — Medium (educational, not a legal ban) | Ligustrum obtusifolium var. obtusifolium | Border privet | Not illegal — advisory invasive list only |
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?
An advisory listing creates no legal duty. Removing it and replanting with natives is still recommended by the agency that publishes the list.
Native alternatives for Virginia
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
Each is recorded as native to Virginia 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 →
Border privet in other states
Connecticut Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New York Pennsylvania
See every plant on Virginia'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.