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Is Japanese barberry illegal in West Virginia?
Sources (3)
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 West Virginia's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noxious weed (W. Va. Code R. § 61-14A-5) — no moving, shipping or delivering into or within WV without a permit | Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry — the Commissioner may exempt sterile cultivars | Legally regulated — restrictions apply |
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?
Noxious-weed rules can require control or restrict moving the plant (including soil, seed and cuttings). Check the exact wording above and the linked law.
Native alternatives for West Virginia
- 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 West Virginia 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 Jersey New York Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on West Virginia'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.