The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development voted last month to add six species to the state’s invasive plant lists, with new restrictions taking effect this week.
Water hyacinth and water lettuce are now prohibited in Michigan as of June 19. It is unlawful to introduce, import, sell, possess with intent to distribute, or intentionally propagate these species in the state.
Four additional species — common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, Callery pear, and Japanese barberry — will be added to the restricted species list, with the same prohibitions taking effect Jan. 1, 2028.
Under state law, prohibited species are those not yet widely established in Michigan but considered a significant risk to human health or natural, agricultural, or forest resources, with limited effective options for managing them. Restricted species are already more widespread in the state but still pose risks, which is why they’re given a longer timeline before the new rules take effect.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development received more than 2,000 public comments on the proposal, more than 90% of which supported adding the plants to the invasive species lists. The agency first proposed the changes in November 2025 after conducting Weed Risk Assessments evaluating the plants’ potential to harm Michigan’s environment, economy, or public health.
Property owners are not in violation if these species are already established on their property or in adjacent waterways. Residents looking for alternatives to the newly restricted and prohibited plants can find resources through the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network.
More information about these plants can be found on the michigan.gov website:
For more information on identifying, reporting, and managing invasive species, visit MDARD’s invasive species page.
