ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland officials moved forward this week with expanded restrictions on the sale and possession of invasive plant species under updated regulations that took effect Jan. 15, 2026.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has revised and expanded its Prohibited Invasive Plant List, adding multiple nonnative species determined to pose a threat to native ecosystems. The changes stem from a statewide overhaul of how invasive plants are evaluated and regulated, replacing older classifications with a science-based assessment process.
Plants placed on the prohibited list may no longer be sold or acquired in Maryland after their effective dates. To reduce economic disruption, the state is allowing phase-out periods for existing inventory — one year for potted plants and two years for in-ground plantings — before full removal is required.
Officials say invasive plants can spread aggressively, displacing native vegetation, altering wildlife habitat and increasing long-term management costs for landowners and local governments. The updated regulations are intended to slow that spread while encouraging the use of native and noninvasive alternatives.
Nurseries, garden centers and landscapers have been preparing for the changes since the regulations were finalized, adjusting inventories and educating customers ahead of the January 2026 effective dates.
Maryland Prohibited Invasive Plant List — Now in Effect
Plants listed below may not be acquired or sold in Maryland after the effective date. Existing stock must be phased out by the deadlines shown.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Effective Date | Potted Phase-Out | In-Ground Phase-Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aralia elata | Japanese angelica tree | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Berberis thunbergii | Japanese barberry | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Corydalis incisa | Incised fumewort | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Cytisus scoparius | Scotch broom | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Euonymus alatus | Burning bush | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Euonymus fortunei | Wintercreeper | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Ficaria verna | Lesser celandine | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Geranium lucidum | Shining geranium | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Iris pseudacorus | Yellow flag iris | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Ligustrum obtusifolium | Border privet | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Lonicera maackii | Amur honeysuckle | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 | June 1, 2024 |
| Nandina domestica | Nandina / Sacred bamboo | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Phyllostachys aurea | Golden bamboo | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Phyllostachys aureosulcata | Yellow groove bamboo | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Pyrus calleryana | Callery pear | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Tetradium daniellii | Bee-bee tree | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Wisteria floribunda | Japanese wisteria | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Wisteria sinensis | Chinese wisteria | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
| Wisteria × formosa | Hybrid wisteria | Jan. 15, 2026 | Jan. 15, 2027 | Jan. 15, 2028 |
Looking Ahead
State agriculture officials say the list will continue to be updated as new scientific data becomes available. Residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed before planting or purchasing ornamental species, particularly those known to spread beyond cultivated areas.
Environmental advocates say the enforcement of the updated list represents a significant step toward protecting Maryland’s forests, waterways and agricultural lands from long-term ecological damage.
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So Maryland will crack down on invasive plants, but allow and encourage 250k+ illegals to usurp our state and raid our treasury of it’s tax dollars? Their definition of invasive should be corrected.
I absolutely agree with you David. The state budget has gone from a multibillion dollar surplus under the last govenor and now even after the largest tax increases ever, it is a multibillion dollar deficit. There are more important things for the legislature to be spending time and OUR dollars on.
So does that mean that the different types of wisteria listed will have to be removed from our home gardens by 2028?