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Is Purple loosestrife illegal in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited invasive species (Invasive Species Management Act, 2026) | Lythrum salicaria | Purple loosestrife | 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]
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
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Dense blazing star (Liatris spicata)
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis)
- Sweet Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
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 →
Purple loosestrife in other states
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Idaho Illinois Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire 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 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.