PlantLegitIs it illegal? › Japanese barberry
Where is Japanese barberry illegal? State-by-state
Also called: Berberis thunbergii. 16 state lists in our data name it. Checked 2026-10-14.
| State | Status | Official list |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | Restricted on a phase-in schedule | Scheduled prohibition (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-381d(b)(3)–(5)) |
| Delaware | Yes — listed as prohibited | Invasive Plant List (3 Del. C. § 2903; 3 DE Admin. Code 806) |
| Indiana | Yes — listed as prohibited | Prohibited invasive terrestrial plant (312 IAC 18-3-25) |
| Maine | Yes — listed as prohibited | Do Not Sell list (01-001 CMR ch. 273) |
| Maryland | Yes — listed as prohibited | Prohibited invasive plant (MD Consolidated List) |
| Massachusetts | Yes — listed as prohibited | Prohibited plant (MDAR Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List) |
| Michigan | Restricted on a phase-in schedule | Restricted species (MCL 324.41301) |
| Minnesota | Restricted on a phase-in schedule | Restricted noxious weed (MDA list) |
| New Hampshire | Yes — listed as prohibited | Prohibited invasive plant (N.H. Admin. R. Agr 3802.01) |
| New Jersey | Restricted on a phase-in schedule | Prohibited invasive species (Invasive Species Management Act, 2026) |
| New York | Yes — listed as prohibited | Prohibited (6 NYCRR 575.3) |
| Pennsylvania | Yes — listed as prohibited | Class B noxious weed (PDA Controlled Plant & Noxious Weed List, 3 Pa.C.S. § 1511) |
| Vermont | Yes — listed as prohibited | Quarantine List Tier 3 (widespread in VT) |
| Virginia | Legal to sell — store sign required from Jan 1, 2027 | DCR invasive; Retail invasive-plant signage (Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1, effective Jan 1, 2027) |
| West Virginia | Legally regulated — restrictions apply | Noxious weed (W. Va. Code R. § 61-14A-5) |
| Wisconsin | Yes — listed as prohibited | Restricted invasive plant (NR 40) |
States not shown: we found no listing for Japanese barberry in the state lists PlantLegit currently tracks. That is not confirmation it is legal there; lists change and some states add plants by separate rule. Check your state agency. Federal list (7 CFR 360.200): not listed. Not legal advice.