PlantLegitPennsylvania: invasive & noxious plant laws
New laws coming: several states phase in plant bans 2027–2030. See dates and sources →
Pennsylvania's Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act (3 Pa.C.S. ch. 15) lists noxious weeds in § 1519. Noxious weeds may not be sold, transported, planted or otherwise propagated in Pennsylvania. The Noxious Weed Control Committee can add species by order, so the PDA list (linked) may include additional plants beyond the statute, and PDA also maintains a separate controlled-plant list.
Official sources
- 3 Pa.C.S. § 1519 Noxious weed list
- PDA — Controlled Plant & Noxious Weed Lists (current additions)
- Federal Noxious Weed List, 7 CFR § 360.200 (USDA APHIS) — applies in every state
Class A noxious weed (11)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Amaranthus palmeri | Palmer amaranth |
| Amaranthus rudis | Common waterhemp |
| Amaranthus tuberculatus | Tall waterhemp |
| Avena sterilis | Animated oat |
| Cuscuta spp. (except native species) | Dodder |
| Galega officinalis | Goatsrue |
| Heracleum mantegazzianum | Giant hogweed |
| Hydrilla verticillata | Hydrilla |
| Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. undulatifolius | Wavyleaf basketgrass |
| Orobanche spp. (except native species) | Broomrape |
| Pueraria lobata | Kudzu |
Class B noxious weed (9)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Carduus nutans | Musk thistle |
| Cirsium arvense | Canada thistle |
| Cirsium vulgare | Bull thistle |
| Exotic Lythrum spp., incl. L. salicaria complex and L. virgatum, cultivars and hybrids | Purple loosestrife, European wand loosestrife |
| Persicaria perfoliata (formerly Polygonum perfoliatum) | Mile-a-minute weed |
| Rosa multiflora | Multiflora rose |
| Sorghum bicolor | Shattercane |
| Sorghum halepense | Johnsongrass |
| Conium maculatum | Poison hemlock |
Class C noxious weed (1)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Any federal noxious weed (7 CFR 360.200) not established in Pennsylvania |
Check plants against Pennsylvania 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.