Illinois law (Exotic Weed Act, 525 ILCS 10) prohibits the sale, distribution, and planting of certain invasive species including Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, purple loosestrife, common buckthorn, and others. Cook County Forest Preserve District actively manages invasive species on public lands.
The Illinois Exotic Weed Act (525 ILCS 10) designates several plant species as exotic weeds and prohibits their sale, purchase, distribution, or planting. Species on the list include: Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), common and glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica and Frangula alnus), kudzu (Pueraria lobata), oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and several others. The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission maintains the official list. Additionally, the Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) addresses agricultural pests like Canada thistle, johnsongrass, and musk thistle. Cook County's forest preserves conduct extensive invasive species management, particularly targeting buckthorn which dominates understory in many Chicago-area woodlands. Homeowners in unincorporated Cook County should avoid planting listed species and are encouraged to remove existing populations.
Selling or distributing prohibited exotic weeds is a Class B misdemeanor under the Illinois Exotic Weed Act. Property owners may be required to control noxious weeds after notice from the county.
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