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Is Oriental bittersweet illegal in Virginia?
Sources (6)
- 2VAC5-317-20 Tier 1/2/3 noxious weeds (VDACS; eff. July 4, 2024) – Virginia Legislative Information System
- 2VAC5-317 full chapter (prohibitions, permits) – Virginia Legislative Information System
- VDACS Noxious Weeds program – Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- VA DCR Invasive Plant Species List 2024 – Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia Code § 15.2-901.1 – Running bamboo control by localities (Virginia Legislative Information System)
- Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1 (effective Jan 1, 2027) — retail signage for 39 invasive species – Virginia Legislative Information System
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 Virginia's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 3 noxious weed — sale and movement prohibited; control not required | Celastrus orbiculatus | Oriental bittersweet | Yes — listed as prohibited |
| DCR invasive — High (educational, not a legal ban) | Celastrus orbiculatus | Oriental Bittersweet | Not illegal — advisory invasive list only |
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 Virginia
- American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)
- Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Virgin's bower (Clematis virginiana)
- Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans)
Each is recorded as native to 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 →
Oriental bittersweet in other states
Connecticut Delaware Illinois Indiana Maine Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Vermont Washington Wisconsin
See every plant on 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.