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Is Chinese privet illegal in Tennessee?
Sources (3)
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 0080-06-24 Pest Plant Regulations (Tennessee Secretary of State, PDF rev. April 2009)
- Tennessee SOS — Department of Agriculture rules index – Tennessee Secretary of State (Rules)
- Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080-06-24-.02 Pest Plant List (LII) – Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute
Also called: Ligustrum sinense. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Chinese privet is not listed.
What Tennessee's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pest plant (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0080-06-24-.02) — may not be propagated, sold, offered for sale or released | Ligustrum sinense | Chinese privet (retail Jan 2010; wholesale Jan 2012) | Yes — listed as prohibited |
Effective dates
- retail Jan 2010; wholesale Jan 2012 (from the official list entry)
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 Tennessee
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
- Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
- Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Each is recorded as native to Tennessee 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 →
Chinese privet in other states
See every plant on Tennessee'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.