Michigan Expands Invasive Plant List: What Retailers and Homeowners Need to Know

July 17, 2026 | 3 min to read

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Michigan has added six plant species to its invasive list, with phased bans the began in June.

Michigan continues to leverage Part 413 of the state’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). In May 2026, the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development approved an Invasive Species Order that added six plants to the state’s prohibited and restricted species lists.

In Michigan, an invasive species is defined as one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm — or is likely to cause harm — to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health.

Effective June 19, the following aquatic plants and their cultivars will be considered prohibited:

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)

Effective January 1, 2028, the following plants and their cultivars will be considered restricted:

Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

It will be illegal to introduce, import, sell, possess with intent to distribute or intentionally propagate these species in Michigan. This includes cultivated varieties, even if they are thought to be sterile.

Prior to the order, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted an in-depth review of the latest scientific research, species distribution data and climate modeling for each species. The state also received over 2,000 public comments on the proposal, with the majority being in favor of adding these species to the regulated list.

What does this mean for landscapers, plant nurseries and retailers?

Plant nurseries and retailers will no longer be able to introduce, import, sell, possess with intent to distribute, or intentionally propagate water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) starting June 19, 2026.

These rules will apply January 1, 2028, for the following species: common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Cultivated varieties of these plants, even if they are thought to be sterile, will not be allowed for sale. Landscapers, nurseries and retailers should not have any stock of these plants when this new regulation takes effect.

Similar to homeowners, landscapers should be vigilant and cautious when managing and removing these plants for clients. They should use proper disposal techniques such as those outlined in the Michigan Citizen’s Guide to Invasive Plant Disposal. Local Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) are also available to provide recommendations on removal, decontamination and alternative species.