Washington's Quarantine List

 The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) maintains and regulates a plant quarantine list, called Plants And Seeds Whose Sales are Prohibited in Washington State (Chapter 16-752-600 WAC) . This quarantine list consists of many ornamental plants, as escaped ornamentals are a significant source of noxious weed infestations.

• It is illegal to transport, buy, sell, or trade any quarantined species.
• It is also illegal to distribute seed packets, flower seed blends, or 'wildflower mixes' of those plants.
• Persons violating the quarantine restrictions are subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.

This quarantine identifies plants known to be invasive and a threat to the state's economy and natural resources. These regulations serve to prevent the introduction of these problem plants into Washington.

• The WSDA Plant Services Program has a responsibility to prohibit the sale of quarantined plants.
• The nursery industry and plant suppliers have a responsibility to recognize quarantined noxious weeds and remove them from sales lists.
• Landowners have the responsibility to control or eradicate noxious weeds growing on their property.

There are three major categories of quarantined plants:

• Terrestrial Noxious Weed Seed and Plant quarantine, WAC 16-752-610
• Wetland and Aquatic Weeds, WAC 16-752-500 through 525
• Nonnative loosestrife (Lythrum) quarantine - WAC 16-752-400 through 415

To report the sale of a quarantined plant, please contact the WSDA Nursery Inspection Supervisor.