In our February e-News we asked our members and friends to take a survey put out by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) regarding restricting or prohibiting six invasive plant species. You responded and your voices have been heard! Six species have been added to Michigan’s invasive plant lists because of the “impacts they may have on the environment, human health, and productions systems” following the MI Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development vote on May 20.
Water hyacinth and Water lettuce are prohibited. It will be unlawful to introduce, import, sell, and possess with intent to distribute these two species after June 19, 2026.
Water lettuce—W. Bulach, Wikimedia Commons
Water Hyacinth—R Castillo, Wikimedia Commons
Japanese barberry, Glossy buckthorn, Callery pear, and Common buckthorn have been added to the restricted species list. On January 1, 2028, it will be unlawful to introduce, import, sell, possess with intent to distribute, or intentionally propagate these species.
Japanese barberry— Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Glossy Buckthorn—Luis Fernández García, Wikimedia Commons
Callery Pear—Matthew Field, Wikimedia Commons
Common Buckthorn—Richard Webb, Bugwood.org
Wild Ones River City is grateful to all who helped fight for this ruling.
Read the MDARD Invasive Species Order
If you would like to show your thanks to MDARD, here is their contact info:
800-292-3939
[email protected]
Mailing address:
Deborah A. Stabenow Building, 6th Floor
525 W. Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI 48909