Is bamboo illegal in Delaware?

No statewide ban. Bamboo isn't on Delaware's invasive plant list, but New Castle County restricts running bamboo.Checked against official sources October 19, 2026. Local ordinances vary.

What the law says

Delaware's Invasive Plant List (3 Del. Admin. Code 806, § 3.1) does not include bamboo.

New Castle County: the county regulates running bamboo in its property maintenance code (§ PM 302.4.10.1). Under Ordinance 17-007 (signed Feb 2, 2017), the ordinance synopsis says running bamboo may be planted only where it won't be grown or maintained closer than 50 feet to an adjoining property line, and bamboo within 50 feet is a code violation subject to fines and abatement. The county offers a waiver request for bamboo planted before January 1, 2017 or contained by a barrier. Other towns may have rules too (search your town code).

Want a privacy screen instead?

Bamboo is usually planted for privacy. Native evergreens like wax myrtle and yaupon holly are rated fast-growing by NC State Extension; see fast-growing privacy trees & hedges (native). Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is a native bamboo-like grass in parts of the eastern US.

More: bamboo laws in other states · Virginia · all Delaware plant laws

Sources

Checked October 19, 2026. Not legal or professional advice; the official text controls.