Rose Hill, NC Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Species named
- 30+, incl. Canada Thistle, Johnsongrass, Wild Garlic
- Grapevine rule
- 100+ vines unpruned 2+ years counts
- Barberry
- Berberis vulgaris and horticultural varieties banned
- Abatement window
- 15 days after written order
- Unpaid cost
- Becomes a lien on the property
Summary
Rose Hill's nuisance ordinance names specific invasive and noxious plant species, from Canada Thistle and Johnsongrass to wild garlic and purple loosestrife, that property owners may not allow to grow, alongside unpruned grapevine thickets and European barberry bushes, under § 91.02 and § 91.03(F) of the Code of Ordinances.
NOXIOUS WEEDS. ... Shall include but not be limited to the following: (1) Alum (allium), Buckthorn, Bur Cucumber, Canada Thistle, Corncockle, Cressleaf Groundsel, Curly Dock, Dodder, Field Bindweed, French Weed, Hairy Whitetop, Hedge Bindweed, Hoary Cress, Horsenettle, Johnsongrass, Leafy Spurge, Mile-A-Minute Weed, Musk Thistle, Oxeye Daisy, Perennial Sowthistle, Poison Hemlock, Purple Loosestrife, Quackgrass, Russian Knapweed, Russian Thistle, Serrated Tussock, Shatter Cane, Sorghum Wild Carrot, Wild Garlic, Wild Mustard, Wild Onion, Wild Parsnip; (2) Grapevines when growing in groups of 100 or more and not pruned, sprayed, cultivated, or otherwise maintained for two consecutive years; (3) Bushes of the species of tall, common, or European barberry, further known as berberis vulgaris or its horticultural varieties; and ... (F) Noxious growth. No person may cause, suffer or permit on premises under his or her control any growth of noxious weeds.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 91's definitions section enumerates NOXIOUS WEEDS by name rather than leaving the term general. 02 runs more than 30 specific plants, including Canada Thistle, Johnsongrass, Wild Garlic, Wild Mustard, Wild Parsnip, Poison Hemlock, Purple Loosestrife, Field Bindweed, Leafy Spurge, Musk Thistle, Russian Knapweed and Russian Thistle among others. Two further categories fall under the same definition: grapevines growing in groups of 100 or more that go unpruned, unsprayed and uncultivated for two consecutive years, and bushes of the tall, common or European barberry species (berberis vulgaris) or its horticultural varieties.
A fourth catch-all covers any weed, grass or plant other than trees, bushes, flowers or cultivated ornamental plants that grows past 24 inches. 01 explain why the list exists, citing the danger that uncontrolled noxious growth poses as a fire hazard, a harboring place for vermin, and a drag on neighboring property values and business appearance. 98, which requires written notice to the property owner, a Board hearing set 10 to 30 days out, and an order of abatement giving the owner 15 days to clear the growth before the town removes it and bills the cost, which becomes a lien on the property if unpaid within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
A property owner who lets a listed noxious weed species take root faces a Town Administrator notice, a Board of Commissioners hearing and a 15-day abatement order under § 91.98. Ignoring the order lets the town remove the growth itself and bill the actual cost to the owner; unpaid bills become a lien on the land under G.S. § 160A-193, on top of the general penalty in § 10.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plants does Rose Hill classify as noxious weeds?
What happens if a listed noxious weed is found on my property?
Can Rose Hill put a lien on my property for noxious weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rose Hill
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