African Boxthorn – Lycium ferocissimum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists African Boxthorn as a prohibited plant.
Massachusetts invasive plants
Massachusetts (MA) regulates 144 invasive plants under Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (MDAR), M.G.L. c.128 ss.2, 16-31A. Massachusetts's list is a trade restriction, which governs what may be sold, propagated, or moved within the state — in plain terms, which plants are illegal to sell here.
Massachusetts invasive species list
Massachusetts restricts 144 plants, including Purple Loosestrife, Leafy Spurge and Waterthyme. Plants marked Prohibited may not be sold, propagated, or moved within Massachusetts. 100 of the 144 are also flagged invasive by GRIIS, which is an ecological finding rather than a ruling by Massachusetts. Checked against Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (MDAR), M.G.L. c.128 ss.2, 16-31A on July 20, 2026.
African Couchgrass – Digitaria abyssinica Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists African Couchgrass as a prohibited plant.
African Feathergrass – Pennisetum macrourum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists African Feathergrass as a prohibited plant.
Amur Corktree – Phellodendron amurense IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Amur Corktree as a prohibited plant.
Amur Honeysuckle – Lonicera maackii IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Amur Honeysuckle as a prohibited plant.
Amur Silvergrass – Miscanthus sacchariflorus IntroducedProhibited
Recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Amur Silvergrass as a prohibited plant.
Anchored Water Hyacinth – Eichhornia azurea Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Anchored Water Hyacinth as a prohibited plant.
Animated Oat – Avena sterilis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Animated Oat as a prohibited plant.
Argentine Screwbean – Prosopis strombulifera Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Argentine Screwbean as a prohibited plant.
Arrowhead – Sagittaria sagittifolia Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Arrowhead as a prohibited plant.
Arrowleaf Falsepickerelweed – Monochoria hastata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Arrowleaf Falsepickerelweed as a prohibited plant.
Asian Marshweed – Limnophila sessiliflora Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Asian Marshweed as a prohibited plant.
Asiatic Tearthumb – Polygonum perfoliatum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Asiatic Tearthumb as a prohibited plant.
Autumn Olive – Elaeagnus umbellata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Autumn Olive as a prohibited plant.
Bishop's Goutweed – Aegopodium podagraria IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Bishop's Goutweed as a prohibited plant.
Black Alder – Alnus glutinosa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Black Alder as a prohibited plant.
Black Locust – Robinia pseudoacacia NativeProhibited
Recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Black Locust as a prohibited plant.
Blackberry – Rubus fruticosus Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Blackberry as a prohibited plant.
Blueberry Creeper – Ampelopsis brevipedunculata IntroducedProhibited
Recorded in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Blueberry Creeper as a prohibited plant.
Border Privet – Ligustrum obtusifolium IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Border Privet as a prohibited plant.
Brazilian Satintail – Imperata brasiliensis Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Brazilian Satintail as a prohibited plant.
Brazilian Waterweed – Egeria densa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Brazilian Waterweed as a prohibited plant.
Brittle Waternymph – Najas minor IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Brittle Waternymph as a prohibited plant.
Broadleaved Pepperweed – Lepidium latifolium IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Broadleaved Pepperweed as a prohibited plant.
Brownbeard Rice – Oryza rufipogon Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Brownbeard Rice as a prohibited plant.
Burning Bush – Euonymus alatus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 8 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Burning Bush as a prohibited plant.
Callery Pear – Pyrus calleryana IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Callery Pear as a prohibited plant.
Carolina Fanwort – Cabomba caroliniana NativeProhibited
Recorded in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Carolina Fanwort as a prohibited plant.
Cattail Grass – Setaria pumila subsp. pallidefusca Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Cattail Grass as a prohibited plant.
Chinese Sprangletop – Leptochloa chinensis Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Chinese Sprangletop as a prohibited plant.
Coatbuttons – Tridax procumbens Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Coatbuttons as a prohibited plant.
Codlins and Cream – Epilobium hirsutum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 12 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Codlins and Cream as a prohibited plant.
Coltsfoot – Tussilago farfara IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Coltsfoot as a prohibited plant.
Common Barberry – Berberis vulgaris IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Common Barberry as a prohibited plant.
Common Buckthorn – Rhamnus cathartica IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Common Buckthorn as a prohibited plant.
Common Crupina – Crupina vulgaris IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Common Crupina as a prohibited plant.
Common Reed – Phragmites australis NativeProhibited
Recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Common Reed as a prohibited plant.
Creeping Buttercup – Ranunculus repens IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Creeping Buttercup as a prohibited plant.
Creeping Jenny – Lysimachia nummularia IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Creeping Jenny as a prohibited plant.
Curly Pondweed – Potamogeton crispus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 9 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Curly Pondweed as a prohibited plant.
Cypress Spurge – Euphorbia cyparissias IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Cypress Spurge as a prohibited plant.
Dames Rocket – Hesperis matronalis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Dames Rocket as a prohibited plant.
Ducklettuce – Ottelia alismoides Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Ducklettuce as a prohibited plant.
Eared Watermoss – Salvinia auriculata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Eared Watermoss as a prohibited plant.
Eelkek – Rubus moluccanus Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Eelkek as a prohibited plant.
Eurasian Watermilfoil – Myriophyllum spicatum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Eurasian Watermilfoil as a prohibited plant.
European Swallow-Wort – Cynanchum rossicum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists European Swallow-Wort as a prohibited plant.
Feathered Mosquitofern – Azolla pinnata Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Feathered Mosquitofern as a prohibited plant.
Fig Buttercup – Ranunculus ficaria IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Fig Buttercup as a prohibited plant.
Fineleaf Sheep Fescue – Festuca filiformis IntroducedProhibited
Recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Fineleaf Sheep Fescue as a prohibited plant.
Flowering Rush – Butomus umbellatus Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Flowering Rush as a prohibited plant.
Forget-Me-Not – Myosotis scorpioides IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Forget-Me-Not as a prohibited plant.
Garlic Mustard – Alliaria petiolata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 12 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Garlic Mustard as a prohibited plant.
Giant False Sensitive Plant – Mimosa diplotricha Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Giant False Sensitive Plant as a prohibited plant.
Giant Hogweed – Heracleum mantegazzianum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Giant Hogweed as a prohibited plant.
Giant Salvinia – Salvinia biloba Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Giant Salvinia as a prohibited plant.
Giant Salvinia – Salvinia herzogii Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Giant Salvinia as a prohibited plant.
Glossy Buckthorn – Frangula alnus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Glossy Buckthorn as a prohibited plant.
Golden False Beardgrass – Chrysopogon aciculatus Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Golden False Beardgrass as a prohibited plant.
Great Yellowcress – Rorippa amphibia IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Great Yellowcress as a prohibited plant.
Heartleaf Hempvine – Mikania cordata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Heartleaf Hempvine as a prohibited plant.
Heartshape False Pickerelweed – Monochoria vaginalis Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Heartshape False Pickerelweed as a prohibited plant.
Horned Poppy – Glaucium flavum IntroducedProhibited
Recorded in 4 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Horned Poppy as a prohibited plant.
Indian Swampweed – Hygrophila polysperma Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Indian Swampweed as a prohibited plant.
Itchgrass – Rottboellia cochinchinensis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Itchgrass as a prohibited plant.
Japanese Angelica Tree – Aralia elata Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Japanese Angelica Tree as a prohibited plant.
Japanese Barberry – Berberis thunbergii IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Japanese Barberry as a prohibited plant.
Japanese Black Pine – Pinus thunbergii IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Japanese Black Pine as a prohibited plant.
Japanese Hop – Humulus japonicus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Japanese Hop as a prohibited plant.
Japanese Knotweed – Fallopia japonica (potentially invasive weed) IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Japanese Knotweed as a prohibited plant.
Japanese Sedge – Carex kobomugi IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Japanese Sedge as a prohibited plant.
Jetbead – Rhodotypos scandens IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Jetbead as a prohibited plant.
Jeweled Distaff Thistle – Carthamus oxyacanthus Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Jeweled Distaff Thistle as a prohibited plant.
Jio – Commelina benghalensis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Jio as a prohibited plant.
Kariba-Weed – Salvinia molesta Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Kariba-Weed as a prohibited plant.
Kiawe – Prosopis pallida Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Kiawe as a prohibited plant.
Kikuyugrass – Pennisetum clandestinum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Kikuyugrass as a prohibited plant.
Killer Alga – Caulerpa taxifolia Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Killer Alga as a prohibited plant.
Kodomillet – Paspalum scrobiculatum Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Kodomillet as a prohibited plant.
Kudzu – Pueraria montana IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Kudzu as a prohibited plant.
Kyasuma Grass – Pennisetum pedicellatum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Kyasuma Grass as a prohibited plant.
Large Gray Willow – Salix atrocinerea Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Large Gray Willow as a prohibited plant.
Large Gray Willow – Salix cinerea IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 5 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Large Gray Willow as a prohibited plant.
Leafy Spurge – Euphorbia esula IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 8 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Leafy Spurge as a prohibited plant.
Lollipop Mimosa – Mimosa pellita Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Lollipop Mimosa as a prohibited plant.
Longstamen Rice – Oryza longistaminata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Longstamen Rice as a prohibited plant.
Louise's Swallow-Wort – Cynanchum louiseae IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 12 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Louise's Swallow-Wort as a prohibited plant.
Maiden Grass – Miscanthus sinensis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Maiden Grass as a prohibited plant.
Malabar Melastome – Melastoma malabathricum Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Malabar Melastome as a prohibited plant.
Mile-A-Minute – Mikania micrantha Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Mile-A-Minute as a prohibited plant.
Mission Grass – Pennisetum polystachion Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Mission Grass as a prohibited plant.
Morrow's Honeysuckle – Lonicera morrowii IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Morrow's Honeysuckle as a prohibited plant.
Multiflora Rose – Rosa multiflora IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Multiflora Rose as a prohibited plant.
Narrowleaf Bittercress – Cardamine impatiens IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Narrowleaf Bittercress as a prohibited plant.
Nepalese Browntop – Microstegium vimineum IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Nepalese Browntop as a prohibited plant.
Norway Maple – Acer platanoides IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Norway Maple as a prohibited plant.
Onionweed – Asphodelus fistulosus Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Onionweed as a prohibited plant.
Oriental Bittersweet – Celastrus orbiculatus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Oriental Bittersweet as a prohibited plant.
Oxygen-Weed – Lagarosiphon major Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Oxygen-Weed as a prohibited plant.
Paleyellow Iris – Iris pseudacorus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 12 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Paleyellow Iris as a prohibited plant.
Panic Liverseed Grass – Urochloa panicoides Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Panic Liverseed Grass as a prohibited plant.
Parrot Feather Watermilfoil – Myriophyllum aquaticum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Parrot Feather Watermilfoil as a prohibited plant.
Professor-Weed – Galega officinalis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Professor-Weed as a prohibited plant.
Purple Loosestrife – Lythrum salicaria IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 14 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Purple Loosestrife as a prohibited plant.
Purple-Leaf Japanese Honeysuckle – Lonicera japonica 'Purpurea' IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 9 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Purple-Leaf Japanese Honeysuckle as a prohibited plant.
Red Rice – Oryza punctata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Red Rice as a prohibited plant.
Reed Canarygrass – Phalaris arundinacea NativeProhibited
Recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Reed Canarygrass as a prohibited plant.
Ribbed Murainagrass – Ischaemum rugosum Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Ribbed Murainagrass as a prohibited plant.
Sandwort Drymary – Drymaria arenarioides Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Sandwort Drymary as a prohibited plant.
Sapphire-Berry – Symplocos paniculata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Sapphire-Berry as a prohibited plant.
Scotch Broom – Cytisus scoparius IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Scotch Broom as a prohibited plant.
Scrambling Nightshade – Solanum tampicense Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Scrambling Nightshade as a prohibited plant.
Serrated Tussock – Nassella trichotoma Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Serrated Tussock as a prohibited plant.
Sessile Joyweed – Alternanthera sessilis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Sessile Joyweed as a prohibited plant.
Showy Fly Honeysuckle – Lonicera x bella IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Showy Fly Honeysuckle as a prohibited plant.
Shrubby Russian Thistle – Salsola vermiculata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Shrubby Russian Thistle as a prohibited plant.
Simplestem Bur-Reed – Sparganium erectum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Simplestem Bur-Reed as a prohibited plant.
Small Carpetgrass – Arthraxon hispidus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Small Carpetgrass as a prohibited plant.
Southern Threecornerjack – Emex australis Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Southern Threecornerjack as a prohibited plant.
Spiny Threecornerjack – Emex spinosa IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Spiny Threecornerjack as a prohibited plant.
Spotted Knapweed – Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Spotted Knapweed as a prohibited plant.
Sticky Snakeroot – Ageratina adenophora Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Sticky Snakeroot as a prohibited plant.
Stinking Willie – Senecio jacobaea IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Stinking Willie as a prohibited plant.
Swamp Morning-Glory – Ipomoea aquatica Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Swamp Morning-Glory as a prohibited plant.
Sycamore Maple – Acer pseudoplatanus IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Sycamore Maple as a prohibited plant.
Tatarian Honeysuckle – Lonicera tatarica IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 10 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Tatarian Honeysuckle as a prohibited plant.
Tiger-Pear – Opuntia aurantiaca Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Tiger-Pear as a prohibited plant.
Tornillo – Prosopis reptans Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Tornillo as a prohibited plant.
Tree of Heaven – Ailanthus altissima IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 13 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Tree of Heaven as a prohibited plant.
Tropical Soda Apple – Solanum viarum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Tropical Soda Apple as a prohibited plant.
Turkey Berry – Solanum torvum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Turkey Berry as a prohibited plant.
Twoleaf Watermilfoil – Myriophyllum heterophyllum NativeProhibited
Recorded in 9 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Twoleaf Watermilfoil as a prohibited plant.
Variegated Water Grass – Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Variegated Water Grass as a prohibited plant.
Velvet Crabgrass – Digitaria velutina Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Velvet Crabgrass as a prohibited plant.
Velvet Mesquite – Prosopis velutina Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Velvet Mesquite as a prohibited plant.
Wall-Lettuce – Mycelis muralis IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Wall-Lettuce as a prohibited plant.
Water Chestnut – Trapa natans IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 7 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Water Chestnut as a prohibited plant.
Waterthyme – Hydrilla verticillata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Waterthyme as a prohibited plant.
Weeping Lovegrass – Eragrostis curvula IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Weeping Lovegrass as a prohibited plant.
Wild Chervil – Anthriscus sylvestris IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 6 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Wild Chervil as a prohibited plant.
Wild Sugarcane – Saccharum spontaneum Not recorded hereInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Wild Sugarcane as a prohibited plant.
Wine Raspberry – Rubus phoenicolasius IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 8 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Wine Raspberry as a prohibited plant.
Winged False Buttonweed – Spermacoce alata Not recorded hereProhibited
Recorded in no Massachusetts county. Massachusetts lists Winged False Buttonweed as a prohibited plant.
Yellow Floatingheart – Nymphoides peltata IntroducedInvasive
Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties. Massachusetts lists Yellow Floatingheart as a prohibited plant.
No plant on Massachusetts’s list matches that.
6 of these listings are phasing in. The species is named in the rule, but the sale ban has not taken effect yet, so Massachusetts nurseries may still legally sell it today. The dates are shown in the table.
9 of these plants are native to part of the United States, marked US native above. Nativity is regional. Black locust is native to the Appalachians and regulated in New England; Palmer amaranth is native to the Southwest and listed as an agricultural weed in the Corn Belt. A listing tells you what Massachusetts regulates, not where a plant belongs. The county checker answers the second question.
Want to check a plant by photo or county?
Use our “Is it native” tool for free.Compiled from the rule itself, retrieved July 20, 2026. Law changes; if you spot a listing we have wrong or stale, tell us at support@getezina.com.
The same list as a table
| Plant | Scientific name | Status | Plant instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| African Boxthorn | Lycium ferocissimum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| African Couchgrass | Digitaria abyssinica | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| African Feathergrass | Pennisetum macrourum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Amur Corktree | Phellodendron amurense | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Western Catalpa, Eastern Black Walnut, Post Oak |
| Amur Honeysuckle | Lonicera maackii | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Common Witch Hazel, Smooth Sumac, Shining Willow |
| Amur Silvergrass | Miscanthus sacchariflorus | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Anchored Water Hyacinth | Eichhornia azurea | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Animated Oat | Avena sterilis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Argentine Screwbean | Prosopis strombulifera | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Arrowhead | Sagittaria sagittifolia | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Arrowleaf Falsepickerelweed | Monochoria hastata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Asian Marshweed | Limnophila sessiliflora | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Asiatic Tearthumb | Polygonum perfoliatum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Autumn Olive | Elaeagnus umbellata | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Smooth Sumac, Northern Bayberry, Bayberry |
| Bishop's Goutweed | Aegopodium podagraria | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Pipsissewa, Greater Creeping Spearwort, Nerveless Woodland Sedge |
| Black Alder | Alnus glutinosa | ProhibitedInvasivephasing inMassachusetts says “prohibited plant”propagation December 9, 2025 · sale January 1, 2029 | River/Red Birch, Balsam Poplar, Pin Oak |
| Black Locust US native | Robinia pseudoacacia | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Blackberry | Rubus fruticosus | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Blueberry Creeper | Ampelopsis brevipedunculata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Beach Pea, Trumpet Honeysuckle, American Bittersweet |
| Border Privet | Ligustrum obtusifolium | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | White Meadowsweet, Sandcherry, American Black Currant |
| Brazilian Satintail | Imperata brasiliensis | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Brazilian Waterweed | Egeria densa | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Brittle Waternymph | Najas minor | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Broadleaved Pepperweed | Lepidium latifolium | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Brownbeard Rice | Oryza rufipogon | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Burning Bush | Euonymus alatus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Mapleleaf Viburnum, Steeplebush, Rhodora |
| Callery Pear | Pyrus calleryana | ProhibitedInvasivephasing inMassachusetts says “prohibited plant”propagation September 20, 2024 · sale January 1, 2029 | Paper Birch, Sassafras, Pin Cherry |
| Carolina Fanwort US native | Cabomba caroliniana | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Cattail Grass | Setaria pumila subsp. pallidefusca | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Chinese Sprangletop | Leptochloa chinensis | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Coatbuttons | Tridax procumbens | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Codlins and Cream | Epilobium hirsutum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Coltsfoot | Tussilago farfara | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | American Water Plantain, Marsh Marigold, Marsh Bellflower |
| Common Barberry | Berberis vulgaris | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Common Juniper, Blue Huckleberry, Sandcherry |
| Common Buckthorn | Rhamnus cathartica | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Common Witch Hazel, Smooth Sumac, Shining Willow |
| Common Crupina | Crupina vulgaris | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Common Reed | Phragmites australis | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Creeping Buttercup | Ranunculus repens | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Creeping Jenny | Lysimachia nummularia | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Curly Pondweed | Potamogeton crispus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Cypress Spurge | Euphorbia cyparissias | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Purple Love Grass, Pale Purple Coneflower, Woolly Beachheather |
| Dames Rocket | Hesperis matronalis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Woolly Yarrow, Drummond's Rockcress, Rocky Mountain Beeplant |
| Ducklettuce | Ottelia alismoides | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Eared Watermoss | Salvinia auriculata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Eelkek | Rubus moluccanus | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Eurasian Watermilfoil | Myriophyllum spicatum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| European Swallow-Wort | Cynanchum rossicum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Feathered Mosquitofern | Azolla pinnata | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Fig Buttercup | Ranunculus ficaria | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Alkali Buttercup, Longbeak Buttercup, Beach Pea |
| Fineleaf Sheep Fescue | Festuca filiformis | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Flowering Rush | Butomus umbellatus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Forget-Me-Not | Myosotis scorpioides | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Garlic Mustard | Alliaria petiolata | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Giant False Sensitive Plant | Mimosa diplotricha | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Giant Hogweed | Heracleum mantegazzianum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Giant Salvinia | Salvinia biloba | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Giant Salvinia | Salvinia herzogii | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Glossy Buckthorn | Frangula alnus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Shining Willow, Speckled Alder, Eastern Baccharis |
| Golden False Beardgrass | Chrysopogon aciculatus | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Great Yellowcress | Rorippa amphibia | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Heartleaf Hempvine | Mikania cordata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Heartshape False Pickerelweed | Monochoria vaginalis | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Horned Poppy | Glaucium flavum | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Indian Swampweed | Hygrophila polysperma | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Itchgrass | Rottboellia cochinchinensis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Japanese Angelica Tree | Aralia elata | ProhibitedInvasivephasing inMassachusetts says “prohibited plant”propagation May 12, 2026 · sale May 12, 2029 | Hercules's Club, Fireberry Hawthorn, Shining Willow |
| Japanese Barberry | Berberis thunbergii | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | White Meadowsweet, Blue Huckleberry, Mountain Laurel |
| Japanese Black Pine | Pinus thunbergii | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Japanese Hop | Humulus japonicus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Japanese Knotweed | Fallopia japonica (potentially invasive weed) | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Japanese Sedge | Carex kobomugi | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Jetbead | Rhodotypos scandens | ProhibitedInvasivephasing inMassachusetts says “prohibited plant”propagation December 9, 2025 · sale January 1, 2028 | — |
| Jeweled Distaff Thistle | Carthamus oxyacanthus | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Jio | Commelina benghalensis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Kariba-Weed | Salvinia molesta | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Kiawe | Prosopis pallida | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Kikuyugrass | Pennisetum clandestinum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Killer Alga | Caulerpa taxifolia | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Kodomillet | Paspalum scrobiculatum | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Kudzu | Pueraria montana | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Trumpet Honeysuckle, American Wisteria, Riverbank Grape |
| Kyasuma Grass | Pennisetum pedicellatum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Large Gray Willow | Salix atrocinerea | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Large Gray Willow | Salix cinerea | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Leafy Spurge | Euphorbia esula | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Lollipop Mimosa US native | Mimosa pellita | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Longstamen Rice | Oryza longistaminata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Louise's Swallow-Wort | Cynanchum louiseae | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Maiden Grass | Miscanthus sinensis | ProhibitedInvasivephasing inMassachusetts says “prohibited plant”propagation December 9, 2025 · sale January 1, 2027 | — |
| Malabar Melastome US native | Melastoma malabathricum | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Mile-A-Minute | Mikania micrantha | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Mission Grass | Pennisetum polystachion | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Morrow's Honeysuckle | Lonicera morrowii | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | White Meadowsweet, Sandcherry, American Black Currant |
| Multiflora Rose | Rosa multiflora | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | American Black Currant, White Meadowsweet, Blue Huckleberry |
| Narrowleaf Bittercress | Cardamine impatiens | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Nepalese Browntop | Microstegium vimineum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Norway Maple | Acer platanoides | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Black Maple, Red Maple, Sugar Maple |
| Onionweed | Asphodelus fistulosus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Oriental Bittersweet | Celastrus orbiculatus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | American Bittersweet, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Summer Grape |
| Oxygen-Weed | Lagarosiphon major | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Paleyellow Iris | Iris pseudacorus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Harlequin Blueflag, Pickerelweed, Pennsylvania Smartweed |
| Panic Liverseed Grass | Urochloa panicoides | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Parrot Feather Watermilfoil | Myriophyllum aquaticum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Professor-Weed | Galega officinalis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Purple Loosestrife | Lythrum salicaria | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Great St. Johnswort, Canada Goldenrod, Common Cowparsnip |
| Purple-Leaf Japanese Honeysuckle | Lonicera japonica 'Purpurea' | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Trumpet Honeysuckle, Grape Honeysuckle, Trumpet Vine |
| Red Rice | Oryza punctata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Reed Canarygrass US native | Phalaris arundinacea | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Common Rush, Bushy Bluestem, Sweet Woodreed |
| Ribbed Murainagrass | Ischaemum rugosum | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Sandwort Drymary | Drymaria arenarioides | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Sapphire-Berry | Symplocos paniculata | Prohibitedphasing inMassachusetts says “prohibited plant”propagation May 12, 2026 · sale May 12, 2028 | — |
| Scotch Broom | Cytisus scoparius | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | American Black Currant, Blue Huckleberry, Mountain Laurel |
| Scrambling Nightshade | Solanum tampicense | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Serrated Tussock | Nassella trichotoma | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Sessile Joyweed | Alternanthera sessilis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Showy Fly Honeysuckle | Lonicera x bella | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | White Meadowsweet, Sandcherry, American Black Currant |
| Shrubby Russian Thistle | Salsola vermiculata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Simplestem Bur-Reed | Sparganium erectum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Small Carpetgrass | Arthraxon hispidus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Southern Threecornerjack | Emex australis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Spiny Threecornerjack | Emex spinosa | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Spotted Knapweed | Centaurea stoebe subsp. micranthos | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Sticky Snakeroot | Ageratina adenophora | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Stinking Willie | Senecio jacobaea | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Swamp Morning-Glory | Ipomoea aquatica | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Sycamore Maple | Acer pseudoplatanus | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Black Maple, Red Maple, Sugar Maple |
| Tatarian Honeysuckle | Lonicera tatarica | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | American Fly Honeysuckle, American Black Currant, White Meadowsweet |
| Tiger-Pear | Opuntia aurantiaca | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Tornillo US native | Prosopis reptans | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Western Catalpa, Post Oak, Black Cherry |
| Tropical Soda Apple | Solanum viarum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Turkey Berry | Solanum torvum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Twoleaf Watermilfoil US native | Myriophyllum heterophyllum | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Variegated Water Grass | Glyceria maxima 'Variegata' | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Rattlesnake Mannagrass, Small Floating Mannagrass, Melic Mannagrass |
| Velvet Crabgrass | Digitaria velutina | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Velvet Mesquite US native | Prosopis velutina | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Wall-Lettuce | Mycelis muralis | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Water Chestnut | Trapa natans | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Waterthyme | Hydrilla verticillata | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Weeping Lovegrass | Eragrostis curvula | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Wild Chervil | Anthriscus sylvestris | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Wild Sugarcane US native | Saccharum spontaneum | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Wine Raspberry | Rubus phoenicolasius | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | Western Snowberry, American Hazelnut, Common Winterberry |
| Winged False Buttonweed | Spermacoce alata | ProhibitedMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
| Yellow Floatingheart | Nymphoides peltata | ProhibitedInvasiveMassachusetts says “prohibited plant” | — |
Where this comes from
- Massachusetts listings
- Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (MDAR), M.G.L. c.128 ss.2, 16-31A. Read the rule.
- Invasive status
- GRIIS, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, via GBIF, covering the lower 48 states. A scientific register with no legal force; it is cited separately from the statute above because the two disagree far more often than they agree. Garden crops it flags only for spreading from cultivation are left out after review.
- Status wording
- The Prohibited / Restricted / Listed chips are Ezina’s normalisation across 44 states and are not the legal term. Where Massachusetts’s own word for a plant differs from the chip, it is quoted verbatim beneath it.
- Nativity
- USDA PLANTS county distribution layer, surfaced through the county checker.
Regulated next door, but not in Massachusetts
Plants that two or more states bordering Massachusetts regulate, and Massachusetts does not. A listing is a legal act rather than an ecological one, so a plant can be a documented problem here and still be sold here.
- Giant Knotweed Polygonum sachalinense regulated in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York
- Common Frogbit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae regulated in New York, Vermont
- Cup Plant Silphium perfoliatum regulated in Connecticut, New York
Questions
Is there an official Massachusetts invasive species list?
Yes. Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (MDAR), M.G.L. c.128 ss.2, 16-31A is Massachusetts's list, naming 144 plants under a trade restriction, which governs what may be sold, propagated, or moved within the state — in plain terms, which plants are illegal to sell here. GRIIS, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, flags 100 of these 144 as invasive in the lower 48 states. That is an ecological finding, not a ruling by Massachusetts. This page shows both side by side.
What plants are illegal to sell in Massachusetts?
144 plants are regulated under Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (MDAR), M.G.L. c.128 ss.2, 16-31A. Plants marked Prohibited may not be sold, propagated, or moved within Massachusetts. Plants marked Restricted carry narrower limits set by the rule.
Is my plant invasive in Massachusetts?
Search the table on this page for Massachusetts's legal determination, then look for the Invasive chip beside it, which is a separate ecological finding from GRIIS rather than a ruling by Massachusetts. A plant can carry one, both, or neither. For an address-level answer, enter the plant's name in Ezina's checker to get its Massachusetts status alongside whether USDA records it as native to your specific county. Every answer links the record it came from.
Is it illegal to plant these in Massachusetts?
For the plants marked Prohibited, Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List (MDAR), M.G.L. c.128 ss.2, 16-31A bars selling, propagating, or moving them within Massachusetts. Whether planting one you already own is itself an offence depends on that rule's exact wording, which is why every plant on this page links the citation rather than us paraphrasing it. Plants marked Restricted carry narrower limits the rule sets out.
Does a plant missing from this list mean it is safe to plant in Massachusetts?
No. This page reproduces what Massachusetts regulates, and a state list is a legal instrument rather than an ecological verdict. Plenty of plants spread aggressively without ever being listed, and states add species years after the problem is documented.
Grow natives easily with Ezina
How it works
We provide the tools you need to succeed.
010.1Identify
Add a plant
Snap a photo or type the name. Ezina matches it to a library of about 40,000 species and starts a care plan tailored to your zone, the local weather, and the time of year.
010.2Care
Get a care plan
A schedule built from local rain, temperature, and sun, not a fixed weekly cadence. You get a single notification when a plant actually needs water. Easily add treatments for diseases and pests.
010.3Plan
Explore new options
Our garden planner Dig helps you understand what works best for your location and makes suggestions based off your long term goals.
Add a plant
Snap a photo or type the name. Ezina matches it to a library of about 40,000 species and starts a care plan tailored to your zone, the local weather, and the time of year.
Get a care plan
A schedule built from local rain, temperature, and sun, not a fixed weekly cadence. You get a single notification when a plant actually needs water. Easily add treatments for diseases and pests.
Explore new options
Our garden planner Dig helps you understand what works best for your location and makes suggestions based off your long term goals.
Compiled from peer-reviewed research, USDA documentation,
and direct scientific observation across the United States.