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Fort Worth, TX Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Authority
TX Dept of Agriculture
State Law
TX Agriculture Code Ch. 71
Noxious Weeds
Giant salvinia, water hyacinth
Discouraged
Chinese tallow, ligustrum

Summary

Fort Worth follows the Texas Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71. Prohibited species include giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and several thistle species. The city also discourages invasive species like Chinese tallow and ligustrum.

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.

Source: Fort Worth Code of Ordinances Appendix B § 11A-8 — High Weeds and Grass ProhibitedView official code

Full Breakdown

Fort Worth defers to the Texas Department of Agriculture's official noxious weed list for prohibited plant species. Under Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71, noxious weeds include giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Carrizo cane (Arundo donax), and various thistles. While not technically prohibited by city ordinance, Fort Worth's urban forestry program and Trinity River Vision Authority strongly discourage planting invasive species such as Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), ligustrum (Ligustrum species), and Chinaberry (Melia azedarach). Fort Worth's landscape ordinance (Section 6.302 of the Zoning Ordinance) requires approved plant species for commercial development landscaping but does not extend species prohibitions to residential properties.

Violations & Fines

State noxious weed violations enforced by TDA. City may require removal of vegetation creating a public nuisance under Chapter 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are illegal to grow in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth follows the Texas noxious weed list. Giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and certain thistles are prohibited statewide. Chinese tallow and ligustrum are discouraged but not banned.
Does Fort Worth have an approved plant list?
The Zoning Ordinance Section 6.302 includes approved plant lists for commercial landscaping. Residential properties do not have a mandatory approved list.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Worth

Tree-of-Heaven RemovalFew RestrictionsFront Yard GardensFew RestrictionsBamboo RestrictionsFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSome Restrictions

All Fort Worth rules

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