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Is Purple loosestrife illegal in Colorado?
Sources (2)
Also called: Lythrum salicaria. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Purple loosestrife is not listed.
What Colorado's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| List A noxious weed (8 CCR 1206-2) — statewide eradication | Lythrum salicaria | purple loosestrife | 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 Colorado
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Each is recorded as native to Colorado 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 →
Purple loosestrife in other states
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Connecticut Delaware Florida Idaho Illinois Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
See every plant on Colorado'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.