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Is Japanese barberry illegal in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited invasive species (Invasive Species Management Act, 2026) | Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry | Restricted on a phase-in schedule |
Effective dates
- Jan 1, 2027: propagation and import of the 30 listed species end without an NJDEP conditional-use waiver. Jan 1, 2030: sale, distribution and export end unless NJDEP issues a waiver. [2026 Info%20for%20Nurseries – New Jersey Department of Agriculture]
Exempt cultivars in New Jersey (5)
- 'Aurea' — exempt; must be labelled
- 'UCONNBTCP4N' — exempt; must be labelled
- 'UCONNBTB113' — exempt; must be labelled
- 'UCONNBTB048' — exempt; must be labelled
- 'UCONNBTB039' — exempt; must be labelled
Source: InvasivePlants.shtml – New Jersey 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 New Jersey
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
- Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica)
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
- New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus)
- Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Each is recorded as native to New Jersey 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 Minnesota New Hampshire New York Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on New Jersey'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.