Invasive Plant Rules in Iowa (2026)
6 rules on the books across Iowa, 5 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Prohibited Species
Plants that are banned or regulated in your area, including Japanese knotweed, kudzu, purple loosestrife, and other species that threaten native ecosystems.
Des Moines
Heavy RestrictionsDes Moines prohibits growing noxious weeds, defined under Iowa Code § 317.1A, with no exception for gardens or native…
Read full rule →Iowa City
Heavy RestrictionsIn Iowa City's regulated wetlands and required natural buffers, City Code section 14-5I-6(F)(5) bars planting any…
Read full rule →Polk County
Significant RestrictionsPolk County's landscaping rules flatly bar species known to be invasive in Iowa from any required bufferyard or site…
Read full rule →Sioux City
Some RestrictionsSioux City bans noxious or invasive species from counting toward required landscaping, tying the ban to Iowa's noxious…
Read full rule →Front Yard Gardens
Whether your city allows vegetable gardens, wildflower meadows, or native plant landscapes in the front yard, including any height limits or appearance standards.
Tree-of-Heaven Removal
Rules requiring removal of Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven), the invasive species that hosts spotted lanternfly, including state programs and city-level mandates.