Austin, TX Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- TX Dept of Agriculture + Austin ECM
- Banned in Development
- Chinese tallow, ligustrum
- Grow Green
- Native plant guide available
- Residential
- Not prohibited, removal encouraged
Summary
Austin follows the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious weed list. The city's Environmental Criteria Manual identifies invasive species to avoid including Chinese tallow, ligustrum, Chinaberry, and giant reed. Austin prohibits these species in required landscaping for new development.
What is a Noxious and Invasive Plant? Any plant species that has a serious potential to cause economical or ecological harm to the agriculture, horticulture, native plants, ecology and waterways of Texas. [...] Legislative Authority - Chapter 71, Subchapter D of the Texas Agriculture Code titled Noxious and Invasive Plants requires the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) to publish a list of noxious and invasive plant species that have a serious potential to cause economical or ecological harm. TDA's regulations to administer this statute are given in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 4, Chapter 19, Subchapter T (Noxious and Invasive Plants). TDA's list of noxious and invasive plants is attached to Rule §19.300(a) of Subchapter T.
Full Breakdown
Austin follows the Texas Department of Agriculture noxious weed list under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71, which includes giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and various thistles. Additionally, Austin's Environmental Criteria Manual and the Grow Green plant guide identify invasive species that should not be used in new development landscaping, including Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), ligustrum (Ligustrum species), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), giant reed/Arundo donax, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and King Ranch bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum). Austin's Land Development Code prohibits these species in required landscaping for commercial and multifamily developments. Residential properties are not prohibited from growing these species but removal is encouraged. Austin's Grow Green program provides a native and adapted plant guide as an alternative resource.
Violations & Fines
State noxious weed violations enforced by TDA. Development landscaping plans with invasive species will be rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are banned in Austin?
Where can I find approved native plants for Austin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas invasive plant rules overview
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