Tarrant County, TX Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Texas Dept. of Agriculture
- Key Law
- TX Agriculture Code Ch. 71
- Local List
- None: defers to state
- Notable Species
- Giant salvinia, water hyacinth
Summary
Tarrant County defers to the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list for prohibited species. The state list includes giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and certain thistles. Local municipalities do not maintain separate prohibited plant lists.
Sec. 71.152. NOXIOUS OR INVASIVE PLANT SALE, DISTRIBUTION, OR IMPORTATION PROHIBITED. (a) A person commits an offense if the person sells, distributes, or imports into the state a noxious or invasive plant species included on the department's list described under Section 71.151. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor. (c) A person commits a separate offense for each noxious or invasive plant item or unit sold, distributed, or imported. Sec. 71.153. LOCAL REGULATION. (a) A political subdivision may not adopt an ordinance or rule that restricts the planting, sale, or distribution of noxious or invasive plant species.
Full Breakdown
Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71 establishes noxious plant regulations enforced by the Texas Department of Agriculture. The noxious weed list includes giant salvinia, water hyacinth, hydrilla, and several thistle species. Tarrant County municipalities do not maintain separate lists of prohibited plant species. Fort Worth's urban forestry program manages public trees but does not regulate private plantings beyond maintenance standards. The Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council maintains a broader advisory list. Homeowners associations may impose additional landscaping restrictions through deed restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Violations of state noxious weed regulations are enforced by TDA with penalties under the Texas Agriculture Code. Local vegetation violations under municipal codes carry fines of $500-$2,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any banned plants in Tarrant County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas invasive plant rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.