Prohibited Species: Houston vs Pasadena
How do prohibited species rules compare between Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Pasadena has fewer restrictions than Houston.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Texas regulates invasive plants through the Texas Agriculture Code and the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list. Harris County has additional concerns about specific aquatic invasives. The Texas Invasive Species Institute tracks problem species in the Houston region.
View full Houston rules →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Texas maintains a noxious weed list under the Texas Agriculture Code, and the Texas Invasive Species Institute tracks problematic plants. Harris County does not have its own prohibited plant list, but state-level restrictions on noxious weeds apply. Giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and Chinese tallow are among key invasive species in the region.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | TX Agriculture Code Ch. 71 | TX Agriculture Code Ch. 71 |
| Key Invasives | Chinese tallow, Giant salvinia | Chinese tallow, giant salvinia |
| Aquatic Species | TPWD regulates | - |
| Research | TX Invasive Species Institute | - |
| State Authority | - | TX Dept of Agriculture |
| County List | - | None — state list applies |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
What plants are banned in Houston/Texas?
Texas prohibits noxious weeds listed under Agriculture Code Chapter 71. Key invasives in the Houston area include Chinese tallow trees, Giant salvinia, Water hyacinth, and Japanese climbing fern. Aquatic invasives are regulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Are Chinese tallow trees illegal in Texas?
Chinese tallow is classified as an invasive species in Texas and sale is restricted in some contexts. While existing trees are not required to be removed, planting new ones is discouraged. Some municipalities restrict their planting.
Pasadena FAQ
What plants are prohibited in Harris County?
Harris County does not have its own list. Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 prohibits certain noxious plants statewide, including giant salvinia and water hyacinth. Chinese tallow is considered highly invasive in the region.
Does Harris County regulate landscaping?
Unincorporated Harris County does not have general landscaping regulations. HOAs may have restrictions. The City of Houston has limited landscaping requirements primarily for commercial development.
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