PlantLegitVermont: invasive & noxious plant laws
New laws coming: several states phase in plant bans 2027–2030. See dates and sources →
Vermont's Regulated Introduced Plant Species Rule took effect June 16, 2026, replacing the 2012 Noxious Weed Quarantine. The rule prohibits cultivating, distributing and transporting the species on the three-tier Quarantine List, and in some cases (Tier 1) possessing them; permits are available when spread can be prevented. The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets reviews the list annually. A separate Watch List is not regulated.
Official sources
- VAAFM — Quarantine List (effective June 16, 2026)
- VAAFM — Regulated Introduced Plant Species
- Federal Noxious Weed List, 7 CFR § 360.200 (USDA APHIS) — applies in every state
Quarantine List Tier 1 (not yet in VT) — Regulated Introduced Plant Species Rule; no cultivation, distribution or transport, and no possession (14)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Egeria densa | Brazilian elodea |
| Hydrilla verticillata | hydrilla |
| Myriophyllum aquaticum | parrot feather |
| Cabomba caroliniana | fanwort (a U.S. native) |
| Myriophyllum heterophyllum × M. laxum | variable-leaved milfoil hybrid |
| Salvinia molesta | giant salvinia |
| Hygrophila polysperma | dwarf hygrophila |
| Salvinia auriculata | giant salvinia |
| Salvinia biloba | giant salvinia |
| Salvinia herzogii | giant salvinia |
| Pueraria montana | kudzu |
| Eichhornia crassipes | common water hyacinth |
| Stratiotes aloides | water-soldier |
| Aldrovanda vesiculosa | waterwheel |
Quarantine List Tier 2 (limited in VT) — Regulated Introduced Plant Species Rule; no cultivation, distribution or transport (15)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Ailanthus altissima | tree of heaven |
| Cynanchum louiseae | black swallowwort |
| Trapa natans | water chestnut |
| Vincetoxicum rossicum | pale swallowwort |
| Nymphoides peltata | yellow floating heart |
| Potamogeton crispus | curly leaf pondweed |
| Hydrocharis morsus-ranae | frogbit |
| Najas minor | European naiad |
| Persicaria perfoliata | mile-a-minute vine |
| Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata | porcelainberry |
| Rubus phoenicolasius | wineberry |
| Microstegium vimineum | Japanese stiltgrass |
| Humulus japonicus | Japanese hops |
| Phellodendron amurense | Amur cork tree |
| Nelumbo lutea | American lotus (a U.S. native) |
Quarantine List Tier 3 (widespread in VT) — Regulated Introduced Plant Species Rule; no cultivation, distribution or transport (26)
| Scientific name | Common name / notes |
|---|---|
| Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry |
| Lonicera maackii | Amur honeysuckle |
| Lonicera morrowii | Morrow honeysuckle |
| Alliaria petiolata | garlic mustard |
| Celastrus orbiculatus | Asiatic bittersweet |
| Euonymus alatus | burning bush |
| Lonicera tatarica | Tartarian honeysuckle |
| Lythrum salicaria | purple loosestrife |
| Reynoutria japonica | knotweed |
| Rhamnus cathartica | common buckthorn |
| Acer platanoides | Norway maple |
| Frangula alnus | glossy buckthorn |
| Iris pseudacorus | yellow flag iris |
| Lonicera japonica | Japanese honeysuckle |
| Lonicera ×bella | Bell honeysuckle |
| Myriophyllum spicatum | Eurasian watermilfoil |
| Berberis vulgaris | common barberry |
| Phragmites australis subsp. australis | common reed |
| Aegopodium podagraria | goutweed |
| Butomus umbellatus | flowering rush |
| Acer ginnala | Amur maple |
| Rosa multiflora | multiflora rose |
| Elaeagnus umbellata | autumn olive |
| Euphorbia cyparissias | cypress spurge |
| Pyrus calleryana | Callery pear |
| Alnus glutinosa | European alder |
Check plants against Vermont 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.