ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gardeners, farmers and property owners beware: The Maryland Department of Agriculture is continuing its fight to halt the growth of invasive ivy plants this month.
The Maryland General Assembly made significant changes to the invasive plant law, which includes phasing out the sale of several types of English ivy and Atlantic ivy plants. Maryland garden centers and dealers are no longer permitted to sell certain types of ivy as of July 15. Homeowners also are no longer allowed to buy these plants, but they are not required to remove them from their property.
English and Atlantic ivy plants are on the state’s prohibited plants list. These ivies are often praised for their appearance, but they can be harmful to trees, soil and structures. The plants tend to suffocate and weaken the ground and trees, contributing to decay and fungal growth, and crowd out other plants.
The plants are fast-growing and can quickly take over an area. Wildlife spreads the seeds, causing these invasive plants to grow across the state.
Here’s the list of ivies that are banned as of July 15:
- Chocolate vine
- Leatherleaf mahonia
- Chinese fountain grass
- English ivy
- Atlantic ivy
- Orange daylily
- Chinese silvergrass
More than 20 additional plants are planned for assessment in 2026-27. To learn more about the ban and plants on the list, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture website.
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