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.
Illinois has two primary laws governing invasive plants: The Illinois Exotic Weed Act (525 ILCS 10) specifically prohibits Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Exotic bush honeysuckles (Lonicera maackii, L. morrowii, L. tatarica), Teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus and D. sylvestris), Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Salt cedar (Tamarix spp.), Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), and Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). The Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) addresses agricultural weeds. The Chicago Botanic Garden and Morton Arboretum maintain regional invasive species lists for the Chicago area. The Cook County Forest Preserve District actively manages invasive species and hosts volunteer workdays for removal.
Selling or distributing plants listed under the Illinois Exotic Weed Act is a Class B misdemeanor with fines up to $1,500. Property owners may receive notices from the county weed commissioner requiring removal of noxious weeds within a specified timeframe. Non-compliance may result in county-ordered removal with costs billed to the property owner.
Chicago, IL
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See how Chicago's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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