By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has announced important updates to the Minnesota Noxious Weed List for 2026. These changes are based on scientific reviews carried out by the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee. The goal is to protect natural areas of agriculture and landscapes from harmful invasive plants.
Six new species were added to the list in 2026. Stiltgrass is now classified as a prohibited eradicate noxious weed meaning it must be completely removed wherever it is found. Several species including creeping meadow, foxtai,l autumn olive, and Callery pear were added as restricted noxious weeds. Callery pear had previously been specially regulated and has now moved to a stricter category.
Three plants, common butterbur, giant butterbur, and European mountain ash were added as specially regulated noxious weeds. These species are entering a three-year production phase out period and will become restricted to noxious weeds in 2029. Japanese barberry also remains under special regulation with most cultivars moving toward restriction.
Two species of poison ivy were removed from the noxious weed list. This change reflects updated assessments showing regulation is no longer required for these plants.
A positive development in the update is the approval of low or zero seed cultivars for certain popular landscape plants. These cultivars have been bred to produce little or no seed which lowers the risk of spreading. Approved cultivars of winged burning bush and Japanese barberry may continue to be sold in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026. All other Japanese barberry cultivars will be phased out by the end of 2028.
The review also confirmed that several serious weeds including Palmer amaranth, Canada thistle, and purple loosestrife remain under strict control. In addition, some species were reviewed and found not to require regulation at this time.
These updates reflect ongoing efforts to balance environmental protection of plant innovation and responsible land management across Minnesota.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoomtravels
Categories: Minnesota, General