Evansville, IN Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Invasive species list
- Indiana DNR
- Noxious species list
- USDA
- Solar-site species list
- Indiana Invasive Species Council
- Applies to
- all real property citywide
Summary
Evansville folds state- and federal-listed invasive and noxious plants into its 'rank vegetation' ban, prohibiting their growth on any real property citywide.
“Rank vegetation” refers to any plant growth, which is or may be harmful to the senses, health or well-being of citizens of the jurisdiction. It also includes invasive vegetation listed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and noxious vegetation listed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Weeds” refers to any growth of vegetation, other than trees, bushes, shrubs, ornamental plants, managed native plants or agricultural plants cultivated in an orderly manner for the purpose of producing food. Notwithstanding the foregoing, trees, bushes, shrubs or agricultural plants, which have sprouted as volunteers and are growing along fence lines or which block sidewalks, alleys, or otherwise obstruct public rights-of-way and easements, shall be considered to be weeds.
Pursuant to IC 36-7-10.1-3, “weeds” and “rank vegetation” do not include agricultural crops, such as hay and pasture. [Ord. G-2024-5 § 1, passed 7-9-24.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 8.05.180 defines 'rank vegetation' to include not just growth harmful to residents' health or well-being generally, but specifically 'invasive vegetation listed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and noxious vegetation listed by the United States Department of Agriculture.' EMC 8.05.190(B) then bars any owner of real property in the city from letting rank vegetation grow. Separately, EMC 18.130.160(8) requires large-scale solar energy system sites to be 'planted and maintained to be free of invasive or noxious species, as listed by the Indiana Invasive Species Council': a narrower, solar-specific version of the same standard.
Violations & Fines
A $200 civil penalty applies per calendar-year violation and up to $5,000 more for continued noncompliance under EMC 8.05.250; solar sites face separate site-plan enforcement under Title 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evansville ban specific invasive plant species?
Do solar installations have their own invasive-species rule in Evansville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana invasive plant rules overview
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