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Is Japanese barberry illegal in Minnesota?
Sources (2)
Also called: Berberis thunbergii. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Japanese barberry is not listed.
What Minnesota's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted noxious weed (MDA list) — no import, sale or transport | Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry — listed cultivars banned now; all non-exempt cultivars may be sold through Dec 31, 2028 and are banned from Jan 1, 2029; some seedless cultivars exempt (see exemptions) | Restricted on a phase-in schedule |
Effective dates
- listed cultivars banned now; all non-exempt cultivars may be sold through Dec 31, 2028 and are banned from Jan 1, 2029; some seedless cultivars exempt (see exemptions) (from the official list entry)
Exempt cultivars in Minnesota (5)
- 'UCONNBTCP4N' Crimson Cutie® — exempt
- 'UCONNBTB039' Mr. Green Genes® — exempt
- 'UCONNBTB048' Lemon Glow® — exempt
- 'UCONNBTB113' Lemon Cutie® — exempt
- 'NCBT1' Sunjoy Mini Maroon® — exempt
Source: Minnesota noxious weed list – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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 Minnesota
- Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica)
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
- New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Shrubby St. John's-wort (Hypericum prolificum)
Each is recorded as native to Minnesota 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 →
Japanese barberry in other states
Connecticut Delaware Indiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan New Hampshire New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on Minnesota'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.