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Is Common buckthorn illegal in Michigan?
Sources (4)
- MCL 324.41301 (definitions of prohibited and restricted species) – Michigan Legislature
- MDARD — Michigan Prohibited and Restricted Weeds (PDF) – Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (Michigan.gov)
- Michigan Invasive Species — State laws and regulations (orders) – Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (Michigan.gov)
- MDARD news, May 21, 2026: six species added – Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (Michigan.gov)
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 Michigan's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted species (MCL 324.41301) — no introduction, import, sale or intentional propagation | Rhamnus cathartica | common buckthorn — restricted from January 1, 2028 | Restricted on a phase-in schedule |
Effective dates
- restricted from January 1, 2028 (from the official list entry)
Already have it in your yard?
Phase-in laws generally target nurseries and sellers on the dates shown. Plants already in the ground are typically not covered by sale bans; read the linked law for your situation.
Native alternatives for Michigan
- Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
- Blackhaw viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)
- American witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Each is recorded as native to Michigan 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 Iowa Massachusetts Minnesota Montana New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Vermont Wisconsin
See every plant on Michigan'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.