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Is Common buckthorn illegal in Iowa?
Sources (2)
Also called: European buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Common buckthorn is not listed.
What Iowa's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary noxious weed (Iowa Code § 317.1A), control list — not a sale ban | Rhamnus spp. (not Frangula alnus) (genus-level listing — check exceptions) | buckthorn | 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 Iowa
- Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
- Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
- American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Each is recorded as native to Iowa 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 →
Common buckthorn in other states
Connecticut Illinois Indiana Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Montana New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Vermont Wisconsin
See every plant on Iowa'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.