What plants are illegal to sell in Hawaii?

Hawaii's list is an agricultural noxious-weed law, which governs control and spread on farmland and rights of way rather than what a nursery may sell. 75 plants are named under Haw. Admin. R. tit. 4, subtit. 6, ch. 68; HRS 152-3. A noxious-weed listing does not automatically ban nursery sale, so check the rule itself before assuming a plant cannot be bought or sold.

Is my plant invasive in Hawaii?

Search the table on this page for Hawaii's legal determination, then look for the Invasive chip beside it, which is a separate ecological finding from GRIIS rather than a ruling by Hawaii. 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii?

Not necessarily, and the distinction matters. Hawaii's list is an agricultural noxious-weed law: it obliges landowners to control these plants and restricts moving them, rather than making the act of planting one an offence in itself. Haw. Admin. R. tit. 4, subtit. 6, ch. 68; HRS 152-3 is the text that says what is actually required of you, and it is linked beside every plant here.

Does a plant missing from this list mean it is safe to plant in Hawaii?

No. This page reproduces what Hawaii 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.

Hawaii noxious weeds: all 75, with the law cited

Q: Is there an official Hawaii invasive species list?

Not under that name. Hawaii's legal list is a noxious-weed list: 75 plants named under Haw. Admin. R. tit. 4, subtit. 6, ch. 68; HRS 152-3, an agricultural noxious-weed law, which governs control and spread on farmland and rights of way rather than what a nursery may sell. GRIIS, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, flags 38 of these 75 as invasive in the United States. That is an ecological finding, not a ruling by Hawaii. This page shows both side by side.

Hawaii (HI) lists 75 plants as noxious weeds under Haw. Admin. R. tit. 4, subtit. 6, ch. 68; HRS 152-3. Hawaii's list is an agricultural noxious-weed law, which governs control and spread on farmland and rights of way rather than what a nursery may sell.

What plants are invasive in Hawaii?

Hawaii names 75 plants, including Canada Thistle, Leafy Spurge and Broadleaved Pepperweed. A noxious-weed listing obliges control and limits movement; it does not by itself ban nursery sale. 38 of the 75 are also flagged invasive by GRIIS, which is an ecological finding rather than a ruling by Hawaii. Checked against Haw. Admin. R. tit. 4, subtit. 6, ch. 68; HRS 152-3 on September 12, 2026.

Arizona Mesquite – Prosopis juliflora Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Arizona Mesquite as a noxious weed.

Aroma – Dichrostachys cinerea Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Aroma as a noxious weed.

Banana Passionflower – Passiflora tarminiana IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Banana Passionflower as a noxious weed.

Barbas De Indio – Andropogon bicornis Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Barbas De Indio as a noxious weed.

Barbwire Grass – Cymbopogon refractus IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Barbwire Grass as a noxious weed.

Biddy-Biddy – Acaena novae-zelandiae Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Biddy-Biddy as a noxious weed.

Black Wattle – Acacia mearnsii IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Black Wattle as a noxious weed.

Blood Grass – Imperata cylindrica Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Blood Grass as a noxious weed.

Bristletips – Oxyspora paniculata IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Bristletips as a noxious weed.

Broadleaved Pepperweed – Lepidium latifolium Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Broadleaved Pepperweed as a noxious weed.

Broomsedge Bluestem – Andropogon virginicus IntroducedListed

Recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Broomsedge Bluestem as a noxious weed.

Caesarweed – Urena lobata IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Caesarweed as a noxious weed.

Canada Thistle – Cirsium arvense Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Canada Thistle as a noxious weed.

Carolina Horsenettle – Solanum carolinense Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Carolina Horsenettle as a noxious weed.

Climbing Hempvine – Mikania scandens Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Climbing Hempvine as a noxious weed.

Comb Bushmint – Hyptis pectinata IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Comb Bushmint as a noxious weed.

Common Gorse – Ulex europaeus IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Common Gorse as a noxious weed.

Common Mullein – Verbascum thapsus IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Common Mullein as a noxious weed.

Diamond Burbark – Triumfetta rhomboidea IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Diamond Burbark as a noxious weed.

Field Bindweed – Convolvulus arvensis IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Field Bindweed as a noxious weed.

Field Sowthistle – Sonchus arvensis Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Field Sowthistle as a noxious weed.

Firetree – Morella faya IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Firetree as a noxious weed.

Fountain Grass – Pennisetum setaceum IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Fountain Grass as a noxious weed.

French Broom – Genista monspessulana Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists French Broom as a noxious weed.

Giant False Sensitive Plant – Mimosa diplotricha Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Giant False Sensitive Plant as a noxious weed.

Hairy Whitetop – Cardaria pubescens Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Hairy Whitetop as a noxious weed.

Hardheads – Acroptilon repens Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Hardheads as a noxious weed.

Heartleaf Madeiravine – Anredera cordifolia IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Heartleaf Madeiravine as a noxious weed.

Higuillo De Hoja Menuda – Piper aduncum Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Higuillo De Hoja Menuda as a noxious weed.

Holdtight – Medinilla venosa IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Holdtight as a noxious weed.

Indian Jointvetch – Aeschynomene indica Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Indian Jointvetch as a noxious weed.

Ivy Gourd – Coccinia grandis IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Ivy Gourd as a noxious weed.

Jack in the Bush – Chromolaena odorata Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Jack in the Bush as a noxious weed.

Kahiliflower – Grevillea banksii IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Kahiliflower as a noxious weed.

Leafy Spurge – Euphorbia esula Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Leafy Spurge as a noxious weed.

Madagascar Ragwort – Senecio madagascariensis Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Madagascar Ragwort as a noxious weed.

Mile-A-Minute – Mikania micrantha Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Mile-A-Minute as a noxious weed.

Mooncactus – Harrisia martinii IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Mooncactus as a noxious weed.

Night Blooming Cereus – Cereus hildmannianus IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Night Blooming Cereus as a noxious weed.

Pacific Island Silvergrass – Miscanthus floridulus Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Pacific Island Silvergrass as a noxious weed.

Palmleaf Dewberry – Rubus sieboldii IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Palmleaf Dewberry as a noxious weed.

Pignut – Hyptis suaveolens IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Pignut as a noxious weed.

Puerto Rico Sensitive-Briar – Mimosa asperata Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Puerto Rico Sensitive-Briar as a noxious weed.

Purple Pampas Grass – Cortaderia jubata Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Purple Pampas Grass as a noxious weed.

Quackgrass – Elymus repens Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Quackgrass as a noxious weed.

Rose Myrtle – Rhodomyrtus tomentosa IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Rose Myrtle as a noxious weed.

Russian Thistle – Salsola kali Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Russian Thistle as a noxious weed.

Sacramento Burbark – Triumfetta semitriloba IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Sacramento Burbark as a noxious weed.

Saltlover – Halogeton glomeratus Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Saltlover as a noxious weed.

Sawtooth Blackberry – Rubus argutus IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Sawtooth Blackberry as a noxious weed.

Scotch Broom – Cytisus scoparius IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Scotch Broom as a noxious weed.

Serrated Tussock – Nassella trichotoma Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Serrated Tussock as a noxious weed.

Shoebutton – Ardisia elliptica IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Shoebutton as a noxious weed.

Shrubby Nightshade – Solanum robustum IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Shrubby Nightshade as a noxious weed.

Silkleaf – Lagascea mollis Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Silkleaf as a noxious weed.

Silky Kangaroo Grass – Themeda villosa IntroducedListed

Recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Silky Kangaroo Grass as a noxious weed.

Silverleaf Nightshade – Solanum elaeagnifolium IntroducedListed

Recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Silverleaf Nightshade as a noxious weed.

Snowpeaks Raspberry – Rubus niveus IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Snowpeaks Raspberry as a noxious weed.

Soapbush – Clidemia hirta IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Soapbush as a noxious weed.

Soft Elephantsfoot – Elephantopus mollis IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Soft Elephantsfoot as a noxious weed.

Spanish Broom – Spartium junceum IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Spanish Broom as a noxious weed.

Spiny Threecornerjack – Emex spinosa IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Spiny Threecornerjack as a noxious weed.

Spreading Snakeroot – Ageratina riparia IntroducedListed

Recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Spreading Snakeroot as a noxious weed.

Sticky Snakeroot – Ageratina adenophora IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Sticky Snakeroot as a noxious weed.

Torpedo Grass – Panicum repens IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Torpedo Grass as a noxious weed.

Tree Poppy – Bocconia frutescens IntroducedListed

Recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Tree Poppy as a noxious weed.

Treedaisy – Montanoa hibiscifolia IntroducedListed

Recorded in 4 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Treedaisy as a noxious weed.

Tropical Kudzu – Pueraria phaseoloides Not recorded hereListed

Recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Tropical Kudzu as a noxious weed.

Turkey Berry – Solanum torvum IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Turkey Berry as a noxious weed.

Victorian Box – Pittosporum undulatum IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Victorian Box as a noxious weed.

Wild Garlic – Allium vineale Not recorded hereInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in no Hawaii county. Hawaii lists Wild Garlic as a noxious weed.

Wingleaf Passionflower – Passiflora bicornis IntroducedListed

Recorded in 2 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Wingleaf Passionflower as a noxious weed.

Yellow Himalayan Raspberry – Rubus ellipticus IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Yellow Himalayan Raspberry as a noxious weed.

Yellow Leafbract – Malachra alceifolia IntroducedInvasive

Invasive in the US, and recorded in 3 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Yellow Leafbract as a noxious weed.

Yellow Nutsedge – Cyperus esculentus IntroducedListed

Recorded in 1 of Hawaii’s 5 counties. Hawaii lists Yellow Nutsedge as a noxious weed.

Compiled from the rule itself, retrieved September 12, 2026. Law changes; if you spot a listing we have wrong or stale, tell us at [email protected].

Plant	Scientific name	Status	Plant instead
Arizona Mesquite US native	Prosopis juliflora	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Aroma	Dichrostachys cinerea	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Banana Passionflower	Passiflora tarminiana	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Barbas De Indio	Andropogon bicornis	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Barbwire Grass	Cymbopogon refractus	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Biddy-Biddy	Acaena novae-zelandiae	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Black Wattle	Acacia mearnsii	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Blood Grass	Imperata cylindrica	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	Manyspike Flatsedge, Blunt Spikerush, Salt Heliotrope
Bristletips	Oxyspora paniculata	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Broadleaved Pepperweed	Lepidium latifolium	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Broomsedge Bluestem US native	Andropogon virginicus	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Caesarweed	Urena lobata	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Canada Thistle	Cirsium arvense	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Carolina Horsenettle US native	Solanum carolinense	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Climbing Hempvine US native	Mikania scandens	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Comb Bushmint	Hyptis pectinata	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Common Gorse	Ulex europaeus	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Common Mullein	Verbascum thapsus	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Diamond Burbark	Triumfetta rhomboidea	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Field Bindweed	Convolvulus arvensis	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Field Sowthistle	Sonchus arvensis	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Firetree	Morella faya	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Fountain Grass	Pennisetum setaceum	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
French Broom	Genista monspessulana	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Giant False Sensitive Plant	Mimosa diplotricha	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Hairy Whitetop	Cardaria pubescens	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Hardheads	Acroptilon repens	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Heartleaf Madeiravine	Anredera cordifolia	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Higuillo De Hoja Menuda US native	Piper aduncum	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Holdtight	Medinilla venosa	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Indian Jointvetch US native	Aeschynomene indica	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Ivy Gourd	Coccinia grandis	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Jack in the Bush US native	Chromolaena odorata	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Kahiliflower	Grevillea banksii	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Leafy Spurge	Euphorbia esula	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Madagascar Ragwort	Senecio madagascariensis	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Mile-A-Minute	Mikania micrantha	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Mooncactus	Harrisia martinii	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Night Blooming Cereus	Cereus hildmannianus	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Pacific Island Silvergrass	Miscanthus floridulus	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Palmleaf Dewberry	Rubus sieboldii	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Pignut US native	Hyptis suaveolens	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Puerto Rico Sensitive-Briar US native	Mimosa asperata	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Purple Pampas Grass	Cortaderia jubata	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Quackgrass	Elymus repens	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Rose Myrtle	Rhodomyrtus tomentosa	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Russian Thistle	Salsola kali	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Sacramento Burbark US native	Triumfetta semitriloba	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Saltlover	Halogeton glomeratus	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Sawtooth Blackberry US native	Rubus argutus	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Scotch Broom	Cytisus scoparius	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	Hawai'ian Cotton, Beach Naupaka, Naio
Serrated Tussock	Nassella trichotoma	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Shoebutton	Ardisia elliptica	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Shrubby Nightshade	Solanum robustum	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Silkleaf	Lagascea mollis	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Silky Kangaroo Grass	Themeda villosa	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Silverleaf Nightshade US native	Solanum elaeagnifolium	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Snowpeaks Raspberry	Rubus niveus	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Soapbush US native	Clidemia hirta	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Soft Elephantsfoot US native	Elephantopus mollis	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Spanish Broom	Spartium junceum	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Spiny Threecornerjack	Emex spinosa	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Spreading Snakeroot	Ageratina riparia	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Sticky Snakeroot	Ageratina adenophora	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Torpedo Grass	Panicum repens	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Tree Poppy US native	Bocconia frutescens	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Treedaisy	Montanoa hibiscifolia	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Tropical Kudzu	Pueraria phaseoloides	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Turkey Berry	Solanum torvum	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Victorian Box	Pittosporum undulatum	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Wild Garlic	Allium vineale	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Wingleaf Passionflower	Passiflora bicornis	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Yellow Himalayan Raspberry	Rubus ellipticus	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Yellow Leafbract	Malachra alceifolia	ListedInvasiveHawaii says “noxious weed”	—
Yellow Nutsedge	Cyperus esculentus	ListedHawaii says “noxious weed”	—

Hawaii noxious weeds