Bloomington, IL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 44-1305(R)(1), Table 1305R
- Species banned
- 7 named species, e.g. multiflora rose, purple loosestrife
- Native planting rule
- 50% of new plantings must be Illinois-native
- Enforcing agency
- Development Services Director, Community Development Department
- Zoning violation fine
- $100 to $750 per violation per day
Summary
Bloomington's landscaping code bans planting seven named invasive species anywhere landscaping is installed to satisfy the Zoning Code. § 44-1305(R)(1) and Table 1305R in the City of Bloomington list flowering rush, garlic mustard, Lombardy poplar, multiflora rose, common reed, purple loosestrife, and spotted knapweed as prohibited due to their invasive nature.
Planting the species as listed in Table 1305R is prohibited in the City due to their invasive nature. Table 1305R: Prohibited (Invasive) Species Botanical Name Common Name Butomus umbellatus Flowering Rush Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard Populus nigra var. italica Lombardy Poplar Rosa Multiflora Multiflora Rose Phragmites australis Common Reed Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife Centaurea Biebersteinii Spotted Knapweed
Full Breakdown
Article XIII, Landscaping and Screening, sets Bloomington's plant material standards, and § 44-1305(R), "Prohibited materials," draws a hard line against seven specific invasive species. italica (Lombardy Poplar), Rosa Multiflora (Multiflora Rose), Phragmites australis (Common Reed), Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), and Centaurea Biebersteinii (Spotted Knapweed). § 44-1305(B)(2) reinforces the invasive-species policy by directing that the use of species native to Illinois be encouraged, and Table 1305O requires that at least 50% of new plantings on a site be Illinois-native species and that every planting be hardy to USDA Climate Zone 5.
Because the prohibition sits inside the landscaping article, it applies whenever a development, redevelopment, or landscape plan amendment is subject to Article XIII review, which the Development Services Director administers alongside the rest of the site plan process.
Violations & Fines
Planting a Table 1305R species on a site subject to landscape plan review, or substituting one for required plant material without approval, is a Zoning Code violation under § 44-1715: the Development Services Director can reject or withhold approval of the landscape plan, and the City can pursue fines of $100 to $750 per violation per day plus court costs and attorney fees until the prohibited planting is removed and replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plants are banned from landscaping plans in Bloomington?
Are weak trees like cottonwood or Siberian elm illegal to plant?
Does my landscaping have to include native plants?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
Compare Bloomington to another location·View the Illinois invasive plant rules overview
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