Invasive Plant Rules in South Carolina (2026)
4 rules on the books across South Carolina, 3 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.
Columbia
Some RestrictionsColumbia's Unified Development Ordinance bars any plant on the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council's invasive list…
Read full rule →Dorchester County
Some RestrictionsDorchester County lists Sweet Gum, Bradford Pear, and River Birch as illegal, invasive, or poor-quality species, which…
Read full rule →Beaufort County
Light RestrictionsBeaufort County's Community Development Code lists six invasive tree species, Chinaberry, Chinese Tallow, Mimosa, Paper…
Read full rule →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.