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Is Oriental bittersweet illegal in Illinois?
Sources (3)
Also called: Asian bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Oriental bittersweet is not listed.
What Illinois's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exotic weed (17 Ill. Adm. Code 1100.30, Illinois Exotic Weed Act) — no buying, selling, distributing or planting without an IDNR permit | Celastrus orbiculatus | Oriental bittersweet | Yes — listed as prohibited |
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?
Most state invasive-plant laws, including the list wording above, target selling, distributing, propagating or planting. They generally do not order you to remove a plant already in your yard, but some noxious-weed laws do require control. Read the linked law or ask your county Extension office.
Native alternatives for Illinois
- American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana)
- Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)
Each is recorded as native to Illinois 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 →
Oriental bittersweet in other states
Connecticut Delaware Indiana Maine Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia Washington Wisconsin
See every plant on Illinois'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.