Is honeysuckle illegal in Ohio? What the state rule bans and what it does not

Is honeysuckle illegal in Ohio?

Ohio bans selling and distributing the invasive honeysuckles. The rule text does not say that owning one is illegal. The rule is Ohio Administrative Code 901:5-30-01, “Invasive plant species,” effective February 13, 2023. The Ohio Department of Agriculture director declared the listed plants invasive “to protect native plant species and thwart the growth of invasive plant species.”

This page reports what the rule says. It is not legal advice, and it covers only the state rule that was checked on the date below. If you need an answer for a specific property, ask the Ohio Department of Agriculture or a lawyer.

What does the rule say, word for word?

Paragraph (B) holds the ban. It reads:

(B) Except as provided in paragraphs (C) and (D) of this rule, no person shall sell, offer for sale, propagate, distribute, import or intentionally cause the dissemination of any invasive plant as defined in paragraph (A) of this rule in the state of Ohio.

Each verb in that sentence describes an act, not a state of owning. The listed acts are:

The word “owning” does not appear in paragraph (B).

Which honeysuckles are on the list?

Four honeysuckles are listed. The list in paragraph (A) includes:

• (27) Lonicera japonica, Japanese honeysuckle
• (28) Lonicera maackii, Amur honeysuckle
• (29) Lonicera morrowii, Morrow’s honeysuckle
• (30) Lonicera tatarica, Tatarian honeysuckle

Amur, Morrow’s and Tatarian are the bush honeysuckles that Ohio State University Extension calls the three most common bush honeysuckles in Ohio. Japanese honeysuckle is a vine. The glossary entries for honeysuckle and Amur honeysuckle give short definitions. The rule treats each of these as an invasive plant for sale and distribution purposes.

Can I still have honeysuckle in my yard?

The rule text does not forbid it. Paragraph (B) lists acts such as selling and distributing. It does not list owning or keeping a plant that is already growing on your land. Paragraph (D) goes further and names acts that a person “may conduct” with the listed species. The introduction reads:

(D) A person may conduct the following activities with the species listed in paragraphs (A)(1) to (A)(63) of this rule in a manner that does not result in the further spread of those species:

The list that follows has three items:

• (1) Dispose of the plant;
• (2) Controlling the plant; and
• (3) Using the plant for research or educational purposes pursuant to a compliance agreement issued by the department.

Other rules, such as city nuisance codes or homeowner association rules, are outside this page. This page covers only the state rule.

Can I remove or kill honeysuckle?

Yes, under paragraph (D), if the work does not spread the plant. Ohio State Extension says the plants spread both by sprouting and by seeds, which birds carry, so the control method matters. See the guide on how to kill honeysuckle roots for the steps the extension publications give, and the post on why cutting honeysuckle makes it worse.

The bigger picture, with a table of methods, is in the pillar on honeysuckle stumps and roots.

Why did Ohio list honeysuckle?

The rule gives its own reason. Paragraph (A) says the Ohio Department of Agriculture director declares the listed plants invasive “to protect native plant species and thwart the growth of invasive plant species.” It cites section 901.50 of the Ohio Revised Code as the authority.

The plant science behind the listing comes from the extension sources. Ohio State Extension says the bush honeysuckles were first brought into the United States in the mid to late 1800s from Europe and Asia as ornamentals, wildlife food and cover, and erosion control. It says they out-compete and shade out desirable native woodland species and can form pure, dense thickets. University of Kentucky says bush honeysuckles are still popular ornamental plants despite easily escaping into natural areas.

The rule text itself targets sale and propagation. It does not tell a landowner to remove plants that are already growing.

Does the rule list anything else I should know?

Paragraph (C) lists exceptions to the sales ban for two other plants and one animal feed use. None of them concern honeysuckle. Paragraph (F) lets the director exempt a cultivar of an invasive plant species if scientific evidence shows the cultivar is not invasive. The rule text on the Ohio codes site is the final word, and the page shows a five year review date of 2/13/2028. Check it for any change before you rely on this page. Rules can be amended, and this page was checked on October 26, 2026.

What happens to a seller who breaks the rule?

The rule gives the Ohio Department of Agriculture a seizure power. Paragraph (E) says the director or an authorized representative “may seize, order removed from sale or distribution any plant described in paragraph (A) of this rule which has been found in violation of paragraph (B) of this rule.” The rule text shown does not list fines or other penalties. This guide does not go beyond what the rule page says.

What can I plant instead?

University of Kentucky says native plants give good options for replacing bush honeysuckles in home landscapes. For home use it lists chokeberry, spicebush, ninebark, strawberry bush and Carolina buckthorn. It says to pick plants that suit your light, moisture and soil.

Next step

If a honeysuckle stump is in the way, start with the pillar on honeysuckle stumps and roots. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.