PlantLegitMaryland: invasive & noxious plant laws
Under Md. Code, Agriculture Title 9.5 and COMAR 15.06.04, nobody may propagate, import, transfer, sell, purchase, transport or introduce a living part of a plant on the Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant List (MDA). Existing stock gets a phase-out period (1 year potted, 2 years in-ground). MDA has exempted a few cultivars, e.g. Berberis thunbergii 'UCONNBTB048' (Lemon Glow) and Nandina domestica 'Firepower', 'Lemon-Lime' and 'AKA' (Blush Pink). Maryland also has a separate agricultural noxious-weed law (thistles, Johnsongrass, shattercane); see MDA.
Official sources
- MDA — Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant Law and Regulations (list updated July 2026)
- COMAR 15.06.04.04 Prohibitions
- COMAR 15.06.04.06 Prohibited plants and Watch List
- Federal Noxious Weed List, 7 CFR § 360.200 (USDA APHIS) — applies in every state
Prohibited invasive plant (MD Consolidated List) (26)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Akebia quinata | Chocolate vine — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Aralia elata | Japanese angelica tree — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Berberis bealei (syn. Mahonia bealei) | Leatherleaf mahonia — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Cenchrus alopecuroides (syn. C. purpurascens, Pennisetum alopecuroides) | Chinese fountain grass — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Corydalis incisa | Incised fumewort — listed effective 6/1/2024 |
| Cytisus scoparius | Scotch broom — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Euonymus alatus | Burning bush, winged euonymus — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Euonymus fortunei | Wintercreeper — listed effective 6/1/2024 |
| Ficaria verna | Fig buttercup, lesser celandine — listed effective 6/1/2024 |
| Geranium lucidum | Shining geranium — listed effective 6/1/2024 |
| Hedera helix | English ivy — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Hedera hibernica | Atlantic ivy — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Hemerocallis fulva | Orange daylily, ditch lily — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Iris pseudacorus | Yellow flag iris — listed effective 6/1/2024 |
| Ligustrum obtusifolium | Border privet — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Lonicera maackii | Amur honeysuckle — listed effective 6/1/2024 |
| Miscanthus sinensis | Chinese silvergrass — listed effective 7/15/2026 |
| Nandina domestica | Nandina, sacred bamboo — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Phyllostachys aurea | Golden bamboo — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Phyllostachys aureosulcata | Yellow groove bamboo — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Pyrus calleryana | Callery pear — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Tetradium daniellii | Bee bee tree — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Wisteria floribunda | Japanese wisteria — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Wisteria sinensis | Chinese wisteria — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
| Wisteria x formosa | Japanese x Chinese wisteria hybrid — listed effective 1/15/2026 |
Exempt cultivars (4)
These named cultivars are exempt from the listing above (official source). The species itself remains listed.
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Berberis thunbergii 'UCONNBTB048' Lemon Glow | exempt |
| Nandina domestica 'AKA' (Blush Pink) | exempt |
| Nandina domestica 'Firepower' | exempt |
| Nandina domestica 'Lemon-Lime' | exempt |
Check plants against Maryland law →
Informational only, not legal advice. Lists change; always check the official source linked above before you buy, sell, plant or move a plant. Lists checked 2026-10-14.