Harris County, TX Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- State Authority
- TX Dept of Agriculture
- Key Invasives
- Chinese tallow, giant salvinia
- County List
- None: state list applies
- State Law
- TX Agriculture Code Ch. 71
Summary
Texas maintains a noxious weed list under the Texas Agriculture Code, and the Texas Invasive Species Institute tracks problematic plants. Harris County does not have its own prohibited plant list, but state-level restrictions on noxious weeds apply. Giant salvinia, water hyacinth, and Chinese tallow are among key invasive species in the region.
Sec. 71.151. LIST REQUIRED. (a) The department by rule shall publish a list of noxious and invasive plant species that have serious potential to cause economic or ecological harm to the state. The department may publish lists of noxious and invasive plant species organized by region.
Full Breakdown
The Texas Department of Agriculture maintains a noxious weed/plant list under the Texas Agriculture Code Chapter 71. State-regulated noxious plants include giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), common dodder, and tropical soda apple. The Texas Invasive Species Institute identifies Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), Japanese climbing fern, and trifoliate orange as highly invasive in Southeast Texas, including the Harris County area. Harris County does not maintain its own prohibited plant list. The Harris County Flood Control District manages invasive aquatic plants that clog waterways. HOAs in subdivisions throughout Harris County may have their own landscape restrictions. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides recommendations for native and adapted plants suitable for the region. There is no general landscaping ordinance in unincorporated Harris County regulating what property owners plant.
Violations & Fines
Knowingly introducing or distributing state-listed noxious plants is subject to penalties under Texas Agriculture Code. No local Harris County plant-specific fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are prohibited in Harris County?
Does Harris County regulate landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Harris County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Harris 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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.