By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania’s Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed List play a key role in protecting farms, public health, and natural ecosystems. The law defines a noxious weed as “a plant that is injurious to public health, crops, livestock, agricultural land, or other property.”
While plants such as Canada thistle and poison hemlock have long been recognized as harmful, others like Japanese barberry and Callery pear trees were once popular ornamentals but are now banned due to their invasive nature.
When a plant is added to the list, nurseries are given time to phase out its sale. After the grace period, it becomes illegal to propagate or sell the plant within the state. The initiative aims to reduce the spread of invasive species that crowd out native vegetation and harm agricultural productivity.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) oversees the list and its updates. The state’s first noxious weed law was enacted in 1862, initially targeting species like Canada thistle and Johnsongrass. The law was expanded in 2017, dividing the list into three categories plants targeted for eradication, those too widespread to remove, and potential threats not yet established in Pennsylvania.
A state committee comprised of agricultural officials, legislators, and industry experts meets quarterly to review additions or removals from the list. These meetings are open to the public.
Additionally, plant breeders can apply to have sterile cultivars non-reproductive versions of banned plants approved for sale. Currently, four barberry cultivars in the WorryFree® Series and one glossy buckthorn cultivar, ‘Fine Line’, are permitted.
New plant species, like Japanese blood grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’), are being reviewed for potential inclusion due to their invasive tendencies.
To submit concerns or suggestions, residents can contact the PDA via email at RA-plant@pa.gov with the subject line “Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed List Request.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, General