PlantLegitNorth Carolina: invasive & noxious plant laws
NCDA&CS regulates noxious weeds under 02 NCAC 48A .1702 (the list) and .1703 (restrictions). Class A and B noxious weeds may not be sold or distributed in North Carolina; Class C weeds may not be sold outside regulated areas. Class A automatically includes every federal noxious weed.
Official sources
- 02 NCAC 48A .1702 Noxious weeds (list)
- 02 NCAC 48A .1703 Regulated areas / prohibitions
- NCDA&CS Noxious Weeds List
- Federal Noxious Weed List, 7 CFR § 360.200 (USDA APHIS) — applies in every state
Class A noxious weed (all federal noxious weeds, plus:) (7)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Lagarosiphon spp. | African elodea |
| Salvinia spp. (all except S. minima) | Water fern |
| Nymphoides cristata | Crested floating heart |
| Nymphoides peltata | Yellow floating heart |
| Crassula helmsii | Swamp stonecrop |
| Trapa spp. | Water-chestnut |
| Nymphoides indica | Water snowflake |
Class B noxious weed (11)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Cayratia japonica | Bushkiller |
| Rorippa sylvestris | Yellow fieldcress |
| Lythrum spp. (non-native to NC) | Lythrum / purple loosestrife |
| Persicaria perfoliata | Mile-a-minute |
| Tribulus terrestris | Puncturevine |
| Cirsium arvense | Canada thistle |
| Carduus nutans | Musk thistle |
| Carduus acanthoides | Plumeless thistle |
| Vitex rotundifolia | Beach vitex |
| Myriophyllum spicatum | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Ludwigia hexapetala | Uruguay waterprimrose |
Class C noxious weed (1)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Celastrus orbiculatus | Oriental bittersweet |
Check plants against North Carolina 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.