PlantLegitNew invasive plant laws coming, 2027–2030
State plant bans phase in on fixed dates. Here is each one with a link to the official source. Checked October 14, 2026. Informational only, not legal advice.
| Effective | State | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2027 | Virginia | Retailers selling any of 39 listed invasive plants for outdoor use must post a VDACS sign at each display (Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1). | Va. Code § 3.2-3801.1 |
| Jan 1, 2027 | New Jersey | Propagation and import of the 30 listed prohibited invasive species ends without an NJDEP conditional-use waiver (Invasive Species Management Act, signed Jan 8, 2026). | NJ Dept. of Agriculture |
| Jan 1, 2027 | Rhode Island | Invasive Plant Management Act takes effect. Sale ban on terrestrial invasives applies once DEM rules defining the list take effect; fines up to $500. | P.L. 2026 ch. 208 |
| Oct 1, 2027 | Connecticut | Callery pear joins the prohibited list (no sale, cultivation or distribution). | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-381d |
| Jan 1, 2028 | Illinois | Callery pear becomes a regulated exotic weed: no buying, selling, distributing or planting without an IDNR permit. Existing trees need not be removed. | Illinois Extension / IDNR |
| Jan 1, 2028 | Michigan | Callery pear, common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn and Japanese barberry become restricted species (MDARD order of May 20, 2026). | MDARD news, May 21, 2026 |
| Oct 1, 2028 | Connecticut | Glossy and European buckthorn, reed canary grass, winged euonymus (burning bush), European privet, black locust, miscanthus and Japanese barberry are prohibited. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-381d |
| Jan 1, 2030 | New Jersey | Sale, distribution and export of the 30 listed species ends unless NJDEP issues a waiver. | NJDA 2026 nursery summary |
| Oct 1, 2030 | Connecticut | Norway maple is prohibited. | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-381d |
Already have one of these plants?
Most of these laws target sale, propagation and planting, not plants already in the ground. Illinois Extension notes existing Callery pears need not be removed. Check your state page or look up a plant.