Prohibited Species: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do prohibited species rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Chicago and Des Plaines have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Illinois regulates invasive species through the Illinois Exotic Weed Act (525 ILCS 10) and the Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100). These laws prohibit the sale, distribution, and planting of specific species. The Chicago Park District and Forest Preserve District manage invasive species on public lands.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Illinois law (Exotic Weed Act, 525 ILCS 10) prohibits the sale, distribution, and planting of certain invasive species including Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, purple loosestrife, common buckthorn, and others. Cook County Forest Preserve District actively manages invasive species on public lands.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | IL Exotic Weed Act (525 ILCS 10) | Exotic Weed Act 525 ILCS 10 |
| Key Prohibited | Buckthorn, Purple loosestrife, Kudzu | - |
| Penalty | Class B misdemeanor (up to $1,500) | Class B misdemeanor |
| Local Resource | Chicago Botanic Garden lists | - |
| Top Invasives | - | Buckthorn, purple loosestrife |
| Noxious Weeds | - | 505 ILCS 100 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
What plants are illegal in Illinois?
The Illinois Exotic Weed Act prohibits sale and distribution of species including Japanese honeysuckle, Multiflora rose, Purple loosestrife, Common and Glossy buckthorn, Oriental bittersweet, Kudzu, and Autumn olive, among others.
How do I report invasive plants on public land in Chicago?
Contact the Chicago Park District for invasive species on city parkland. For Cook County forest preserves, contact the Forest Preserve District. You can also report through CHI311 for plants affecting public right-of-way.
Des Plaines FAQ
What plants are prohibited in Cook County?
Under the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, purple loosestrife, common buckthorn, kudzu, and oriental bittersweet are among the species prohibited from sale, distribution, or planting.
Is buckthorn illegal in Illinois?
Yes. Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) are listed under the Illinois Exotic Weed Act. Their sale and distribution are prohibited.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Des Plaines compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool