Invasive plants regulated in Wisconsin (141 species, cited)

Invasive plants regulated in Wisconsin

Wisconsin regulates 141 invasive plants under Wis. Admin. Code NR 40.04. The table below reproduces that list in full, showing each plant's status in the state's own words. Wisconsin's list is a trade restriction, which governs what may be sold, propagated, or moved within the state.

Compiled from the rule itself, retrieved July 20, 2026. Law changes; if you spot a listing we have wrong or stale, tell us at [email protected].

10 of these plants are native to part of the United States, marked US native below. 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 Wisconsin regulates, not where a plant belongs. The county checker answers the second question.

Regulated and invasive are two different findings, and this page shows them separately. 111 of the 141 plants below carry both: Wisconsin names them in statute and GRIIS lists them as invasive in the United States. The other 30 are regulated by Wisconsin without appearing on that register. The reverse is far more common still: most plants GRIIS calls invasive are named in no state’s statute at all and are sold freely, so an absent chip is never a clean bill of health.

Wisconsin sets a different status in some counties. 14 species carry a narrower status in 65 named counties. A state-wide table cannot show that, so use the county checker for an address-level answer.

Plant	Scientific name	Status	Wisconsin’s determination
Amur Corktree	Phellodendron amurense	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Amur Corktree under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Black Ash, Osage-Orange
Amur Honeysuckle	Lonicera maackii	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Amur Honeysuckle under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Bog Birch, Common Witch Hazel, Silver Buffaloberry
Anchored Water Hyacinth	Eichhornia azurea	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Anchored Water Hyacinth under “Prohibited.”
Arrowhead	Sagittaria sagittifolia	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Arrowhead under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Showy Milkweed, American Black Elderberry
Asian Marshweed	Limnophila sessiliflora	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Asian Marshweed under “Prohibited.”
Asiatic Tearthumb	Polygonum perfoliatum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Asiatic Tearthumb under “Prohibited.”
Basketgrass	Oplismenus hirtellus	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Basketgrass under “Prohibited.”
Blueberry Creeper	Ampelopsis brevipedunculata	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Blueberry Creeper under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Common Witch Hazel, Silver Buffaloberry, Black Hawthorn
Bohemian Knotweed	Polygonum x bohemicum	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Bohemian Knotweed under “Prohibited.”
Brazilian Waterweed	Egeria densa	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Brazilian Waterweed under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Star Sedge, Inland Sedge, Old Man's Whiskers
Brittle Waternymph	Najas minor	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Brittle Waternymph under “Prohibited.”
Broadleaved Pepperweed	Lepidium latifolium	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Broadleaved Pepperweed under “Prohibited.”
Carolina Fanwort US native	Cabomba caroliniana	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Carolina Fanwort under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Star Sedge, Inland Sedge, Old Man's Whiskers
Chinese Wisteria	Wisteria sinensis	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Chinese Wisteria under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Bog Birch, American Plum, Climbing Rose
Chinese Yam	Dioscorea oppositifolia	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Chinese Yam under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Common Witch Hazel, Silver Buffaloberry, Speckled Alder
Codlins and Cream	Epilobium hirsutum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Codlins and Cream under “Prohibited.”
Coltsfoot	Tussilago farfara	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Coltsfoot under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: American Vetch, Bluebead, Marsh Bellflower
Common Barberry	Berberis vulgaris	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Common Barberry under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: American Black Elderberry, Needle and Thread, Needle and Thread Grass
Common Frogbit	Hydrocharis morsus-ranae	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Common Frogbit under “Prohibited.”
Common Reed	Phragmites australis	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Common Reed under “Prohibited.”
Common Water Hyacinth	Eichhornia crassipes	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Common Water Hyacinth under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Nodding Lady's Tresses, Downy Paintedcup, American Vetch
Dalmatian Toadflax	Linaria dalmatica	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Dalmatian Toadflax under “Prohibited.”
Diffuse Knapweed	Centaurea diffusa	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Diffuse Knapweed under “Prohibited.”
Ducklettuce	Ottelia alismoides	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Ducklettuce under “Prohibited.”
Empress Tree	Paulownia tomentosa	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Empress Tree under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Paper Birch, Cockspur Hawthorn
Erect Hedgeparsley	Torilis japonica	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Erect Hedgeparsley under “Prohibited.”
European Swallow-Wort	Cynanchum rossicum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists European Swallow-Wort under “Prohibited.”
European Wand Loosestrife	Lythrum virgatum	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists European Wand Loosestrife under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Showy Milkweed, American Black Elderberry
Feathered Mosquitofern	Azolla pinnata	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Feathered Mosquitofern under “Prohibited.”
Fig Buttercup	Ranunculus ficaria	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Fig Buttercup under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Old Man's Whiskers, Common Selfheal, Meadow Evening Primrose
Fiveleaf Akebia	Akebia quinata	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Fiveleaf Akebia under “Prohibited.”
Floating Marshpennywort US native	Hydrocotyle ranunculoides	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Floating Marshpennywort under “Prohibited.”
Giant Hogweed	Heracleum mantegazzianum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Giant Hogweed under “Prohibited.”
Giant Knotweed	Polygonum sachalinense	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Giant Knotweed under “Prohibited.”
Giant Reed	Arundo donax	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Giant Reed under “Prohibited.”
Giant Salvinia	Salvinia herzogii	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Giant Salvinia under “Prohibited.”
Hardheads	Acroptilon repens	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Hardheads under “Prohibited.”
Himalayan Blackberry	Rubus armeniacus	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Himalayan Blackberry under “Prohibited.”
Indian Swampweed	Hygrophila polysperma	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Indian Swampweed under “Prohibited.”
Japanese Chaff Flower	Achyranthes japonica	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Japanese Chaff Flower under “Prohibited.”
Japanese Honeysuckle	Lonicera japonica	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Japanese Honeysuckle under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Maryland Senna, Roundleaf Goldenrod
Japanese Hop	Humulus japonicus	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Japanese Hop under “Prohibited.”
Japanese Wisteria	Wisteria floribunda	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Japanese Wisteria under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Bog Birch, American Plum, Climbing Rose
Java Waterdropwort	Oenanthe javanica	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Java Waterdropwort under “Prohibited.”
Johnsongrass	Sorghum halepense	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Johnsongrass under “Prohibited.”
Kariba-Weed	Salvinia molesta	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Kariba-Weed under “Prohibited.”
Kudzu	Pueraria montana	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Kudzu under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Bog Birch, American Plum, Climbing Rose
Louise's Swallow-Wort	Cynanchum louiseae	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Louise's Swallow-Wort under “Prohibited.”
Marsh Thistle	Cirsium palustre	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Marsh Thistle under “Prohibited.”
Medusahead	Taeniatherum caput-medusae	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Medusahead under “Prohibited.”
Mudmats	Glossostigma cleistanthum	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Mudmats under “Prohibited.”
Narrowleaf Bittercress	Cardamine impatiens	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Narrowleaf Bittercress under “Prohibited.”
Nepalese Browntop	Microstegium vimineum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Nepalese Browntop under “Prohibited.”
Ornamental Jewelweed	Impatiens glandulifera	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Ornamental Jewelweed under “Prohibited.”
Oxygen-Weed	Lagarosiphon major	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Oxygen-Weed under “Prohibited.”
Parrot Feather Watermilfoil	Myriophyllum aquaticum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Parrot Feather Watermilfoil under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Narrowleaf Water Plantain, Little Green Sedge, Kentucky Bluegrass
Pestilence Wort	Petasites hybridus	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Pestilence Wort under “Prohibited.”
Poison Hemlock	Conium maculatum	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Poison Hemlock under “Prohibited.”
Sacred Lotus	Nelumbo nucifera	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Sacred Lotus under “Prohibited.”
Sand Ryegrass	Leymus arenarius	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Sand Ryegrass under “Prohibited.”
Sawtooth Oak	Quercus acutissima	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Sawtooth Oak under “Prohibited.”
Scotch Broom	Cytisus scoparius	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Scotch Broom under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, American Black Elderberry, Common Cowparsnip
Seaside Goldenrod US native	Solidago sempervirens	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Seaside Goldenrod under “Prohibited.”
Sericea Lespedeza	Lespedeza cuneata	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Sericea Lespedeza under “Prohibited.”
Southern Cattail US native	Typha domingensis	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Southern Cattail under “Prohibited.”
Spreading Hedgeparsley	Torilis arvensis	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Spreading Hedgeparsley under “Prohibited.”
Swamp Morning-Glory	Ipomoea aquatica	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Swamp Morning-Glory under “Prohibited.”
Swamp Stonecrop	Crassula helmsii	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Swamp Stonecrop under “Prohibited.”
Turkish Wartycabbage	Bunias orientalis	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Turkish Wartycabbage under “Prohibited.”
Variegated Water Grass	Glyceria maxima 'Variegata'	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Variegated Water Grass under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Coast Cockspur Grass, Common Rush, Stalked Bulrush
Water Chestnut	Trapa natans	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Water Chestnut under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Narrowleaf Water Plantain, Little Green Sedge, Kentucky Bluegrass
Water Lettuce US native	Pistia stratiotes	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Water Lettuce under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Narrowleaf Water Plantain, Little Green Sedge, Kentucky Bluegrass
Water Soldiers	Stratiotes aloides	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Water Soldiers under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Narrowleaf Water Plantain, Little Green Sedge, Kentucky Bluegrass
Waterthyme	Hydrilla verticillata	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Waterthyme under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Star Sedge, Inland Sedge, Old Man's Whiskers
Wild Chervil	Anthriscus sylvestris	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Wild Chervil under “Prohibited.”
Wine Raspberry	Rubus phoenicolasius	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Wine Raspberry under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Black Raspberry, Russet Buffaloberry, Northern Black Currant
Woolly Foxglove	Digitalis lanata	Prohibited	Wisconsin lists Woolly Foxglove under “Prohibited.”
Yellow Floatingheart	Nymphoides peltata	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Yellow Floatingheart under “Prohibited.”Plant instead: Nodding Lady's Tresses, Downy Paintedcup, American Vetch
Yellow Star-Thistle	Centaurea solstitialis	Prohibited Invasive	Wisconsin lists Yellow Star-Thistle under “Prohibited.”
Absinthium	Artemisia absinthium	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Absinthium under “Restricted.”
Autumn Olive	Elaeagnus umbellata	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Autumn Olive under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Chokecherry, Red-Barked Dogwood, Redosier Dogwood
Balfour's Touch-Me-Not	Impatiens balfourii	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Balfour's Touch-Me-Not under “Restricted.”
Bishop's Goutweed	Aegopodium podagraria	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Bishop's Goutweed under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Wild Sarsaparilla, Jack in the Pulpit, Bristlystalked Sedge
Black Alder	Alnus glutinosa	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Black Alder under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Black Ash, Osage-Orange
Black Locust US native	Robinia pseudoacacia	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Black Locust under “Restricted.”
Bolleana Poplar	Populus alba 'Pyramidalis'	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Bolleana Poplar under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Black Ash, Osage-Orange
Bristly Locust US native	Robinia hispida	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Bristly Locust under “Restricted.”
Brittlestem Hempnettle	Galeopsis tetrahit	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Brittlestem Hempnettle under “Restricted.”
Broadleaf Helleborine	Epipactis helleborine	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Broadleaf Helleborine under “Restricted.”
Brownray Knapweed	Centaurea jacea	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Brownray Knapweed under “Restricted.”
Burning Bush	Euonymus alatus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Burning Bush under “Restricted.”Plant instead: American Black Elderberry, Russet Buffaloberry, Mapleleaf Viburnum
Canada Thistle	Cirsium arvense	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Canada Thistle under “Restricted.”
Celandine	Chelidonium majus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Celandine under “Restricted.”
Common Buckthorn	Rhamnus cathartica	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Common Buckthorn under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Bog Birch, Common Witch Hazel, Silver Buffaloberry
Crownvetch	Securigera varia	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Crownvetch under “Restricted.”
Curly Pondweed	Potamogeton crispus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Curly Pondweed under “Restricted.”
Cutleaf Teasel	Dipsacus laciniatus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Cutleaf Teasel under “Restricted.”
Cypress Spurge	Euphorbia cyparissias	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Cypress Spurge under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Kentucky Bluegrass, Blunt Spikerush, Common Spikerush
Dames Rocket	Hesperis matronalis	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Dames Rocket under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Maryland Senna, Roundleaf Goldenrod, Harvestlice
Eurasian Watermilfoil	Myriophyllum spicatum	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Eurasian Watermilfoil under “Restricted.”
False Baby's Breath	Galium mollugo	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists False Baby's Breath under “Restricted.”
Field Scabiosa	Knautia arvensis	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Field Scabiosa under “Restricted.”
Flowering Rush	Butomus umbellatus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Flowering Rush under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Showy Milkweed, American Black Elderberry
Forget-Me-Not	Myosotis scorpioides	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Forget-Me-Not under “Restricted.”
Fuller's Teasel	Dipsacus fullonum	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Fuller's Teasel under “Restricted.”
Garden Valerian	Valeriana officinalis	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Garden Valerian under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Maryland Senna, Roundleaf Goldenrod, Harvestlice
Garden Yellow Loosestrife	Lysimachia vulgaris	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Garden Yellow Loosestrife under “Restricted.”
Garlic Mustard	Alliaria petiolata	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Garlic Mustard under “Restricted.”
Glossy Buckthorn	Frangula alnus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Glossy Buckthorn under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Common Witch Hazel, Silver Buffaloberry, Speckled Alder
Gypsyflower	Cynoglossum officinale	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Gypsyflower under “Restricted.”
Hybrid Cattail US native	Typha x glauca	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Hybrid Cattail under “Restricted.”
Japanese Barberry	Berberis thunbergii	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Japanese Barberry under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Harvestlice, Sweetgale
Japanese Knotweed	Fallopia japonica (potentially invasive weed)	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Japanese Knotweed under “Restricted.”
Leafy Spurge	Euphorbia esula	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Leafy Spurge under “Restricted.”
Lesser Knapweed	Centaurea nigra	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Lesser Knapweed under “Restricted.”
Morrow's Honeysuckle	Lonicera morrowii	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Morrow's Honeysuckle under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Harvestlice, Sweetgale
Multiflora Rose	Rosa multiflora	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Multiflora Rose under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, American Black Elderberry, Common Cowparsnip
Narrowleaf Cattail	Typha angustifolia	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Narrowleaf Cattail under “Restricted.”
Nodding Plumeless Thistle	Carduus nutans	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Nodding Plumeless Thistle under “Restricted.”
Oriental Bittersweet	Celastrus orbiculatus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Oriental Bittersweet under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Common Witch Hazel, Silver Buffaloberry, American Plum
Paleyellow Iris	Iris pseudacorus	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Paleyellow Iris under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Showy Milkweed, American Black Elderberry
Parsnip	Pastinaca sativa	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Parsnip under “Restricted.”
Purple Loosestrife	Lythrum salicaria	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Purple Loosestrife under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Showy Milkweed, American Black Elderberry
Queen of the Meadow	Filipendula ulmaria	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Queen of the Meadow under “Restricted.”
Rampion Bellflower	Campanula rapunculoides	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Rampion Bellflower under “Restricted.”
Reed Canarygrass US native	Phalaris arundinacea	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Reed Canarygrass under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Coast Cockspur Grass, Common Rush, Western Brackenfern
Russian Olive	Elaeagnus angustifolia	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Russian Olive under “Restricted.”Plant instead: American Plum, Climbing Rose, Prairie Crab Apple
Showy Fly Honeysuckle	Lonicera x bella	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Showy Fly Honeysuckle under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, Harvestlice, Sweetgale
Siberian Elm	Ulmus pumila	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Siberian Elm under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Black Ash, Osage-Orange
Siberian Pea Shrub	Caragana arborescens	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Siberian Pea Shrub under “Restricted.”
Solidstem Burnet Saxifrage	Pimpinella saxifraga	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Solidstem Burnet Saxifrage under “Restricted.”
Spiny Naiad US native	Najas marina	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Spiny Naiad under “Restricted.”
Spiny Plumeless Thistle	Carduus acanthoides	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Spiny Plumeless Thistle under “Restricted.”
Spotted Knapweed	Centaurea stoebe	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Spotted Knapweed under “Restricted.”
Tansy	Tanacetum vulgare	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Tansy under “Restricted.”
Tatar Maple	Acer tataricum	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Tatar Maple under “Restricted.”
Tatarian Honeysuckle	Lonicera tatarica	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Tatarian Honeysuckle under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Crimsoneyed Rosemallow, American Black Elderberry, Common Cowparsnip
Tree of Heaven	Ailanthus altissima	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Tree of Heaven under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Black Ash, Osage-Orange
Tyrol Knapweed	Centaurea nigrescens	Restricted	Wisconsin lists Tyrol Knapweed under “Restricted.”
White Mulberry	Morus alba	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists White Mulberry under “Restricted.”Plant instead: Western Catalpa, Osage-Orange, Cockspur Hawthorn
Woodland Forget-Me-Not	Myosotis sylvatica	Restricted Invasive	Wisconsin lists Woodland Forget-Me-Not under “Restricted.”

What the tags mean

Prohibited Restricted Listed

A legal status. Wisconsin names the plant in statute. Under a nursery rule that means it may not be sold, propagated, or moved; under an agricultural weed law it means landowners must control it. The cited rule says which, in Wisconsin’s own words, in the last column.

Invasive

An ecological finding, and a different question from the law. GRIIS — the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species — lists the plant as invasive in the United States. Most invasive plants carry no state listing at all and are sold freely, so a plant without this tag is not thereby safe, and a plant without a legal chip is not thereby harmless.

Where this comes from

Wisconsin listings: Wis. Admin. Code NR 40.04. Read the rule.
Invasive status: GRIIS, the Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species, via GBIF. 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.
Status wording: Each determination is written as a sentence, with Wisconsin’s own term for the plant reproduced verbatim inside it. The Prohibited / Restricted / Listed chips are Ezina’s normalisation across 42 states and are not the legal term.
Nativity: USDA PLANTS county distribution layer, surfaced through the county checker.

Regulated next door, but not in Wisconsin

Plants that two or more states bordering Wisconsin regulate, and Wisconsin 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.

Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana regulated in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota

Questions

What plants are illegal to sell in Wisconsin?

141 plants are regulated under Wis. Admin. Code NR 40.04. Plants marked Prohibited may not be sold, propagated, or moved within Wisconsin. Plants marked Restricted carry narrower limits set by the rule.

Is my plant invasive in Wisconsin?

Search the table on this page, or enter the plant's name in Ezina's checker to get its Wisconsin status alongside whether USDA records it as native to your specific county. Every answer links the record it came from.

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

No. This page reproduces what Wisconsin 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.

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