Queens County, NY Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

New York State's invasive species regulations (6 NYCRR Part 575, effective 2015) prohibit the sale, purchase, transport, introduction, or propagation of species on the Prohibited list and require permits for Regulated species. Key prohibited species that affect Queens include: Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) — extremely aggressive along waterways and disturbed sites, common along Flushing Creek and the Queens rail corridors; porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) — a vigorous vine that smothers native vegetation; mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata); and water chestnut (Trapa natans). Regulated species requiring permits include: Japanese stiltgrass and callery/Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), which NYC has moved to restrict in new plantings. NYC Parks' Natural Areas Conservancy actively manages invasive species in Queens green spaces including Forest Park, Alley Pond Park, Cunningham Park, and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), while not on the state prohibited list, is considered highly invasive in NYC and is the primary host for the spotted lanternfly, an agricultural pest that has spread to the NYC area. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is one of the most common invasive plants in Queens' disturbed lots and roadsides. Queens residents can report invasive species sightings through iMapInvasives, New York's invasive species mapping tool.