For many years, we have seen cultivated plants escape into the wild. It is not unusual to find barberry or burning bush growing en masse in our native forests. Several months ago, I had to drive to Maryland. I could not help but notice the stands of flowering pear growing along the roadside and in medians. While attractive in bloom, these trees have become a nuisance and a problem. So often, our greatest issues in the landscape are imported. This is not only the case with ornamental plants, but insects and diseases that come from other countries.

For the purposes of this missive, I will confine myself to invasive plants. Most of our neighboring states have had restrictions in place for several years. I questioned why New Jersey took so long to adopt a policy to restrict sales of these plants. New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and others have policies in place to ban the planting of invasive plants. New Jersey just recently enacted a law banning the sale of 30 plants. Readers should note that the act itself took effect immediately when it was approved on January 20, 2026, but the restrictions are phased in. The prohibition on propagation, importation, and introduction begins February 1, 2027, and the prohibition on sale, distribution, export, and offering for sale begins February 1, 2030. The full text of the New Jersey legislation can be found here: https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/S1500/1029_U1.HTM. I’m sure this list will evolve, and more might be included moving forward.

Some plants on this list were widely sold for various reasons. I will single out barberry as an example. The deer pressure in our area is immense. Deer don’t like barberry. Can’t imagine chomping down and swallowing thorns. Barberry plants are tough, will endure dry conditions, and offer good color to the garden. Home run, right? Until the realization hit that these plants easily seed and spread to surrounding areas. Although the usefulness of these plants in the landscape cannot be disputed, the invasive nature of these plants is unacceptable. Any responsible horticulturist or landscape professional would not dispute this.

Interestingly, one of my employees asked me, “What are we going to do?” Very simply, I replied, “Not sell the plants.” As an industry, we constantly need to adapt and offer different options. I will take a step back and say that although my knowledge is based on formal education and years of hands on experience, I do not claim to be the end all on any topic. As a group, we want to act responsibly, but had we exercised some moderation, perhaps the problem would not be as severe.

I’m used to and anticipate pushback on many issues. I can tell you the knowledge and opinions I share are based on years of experience. Why do I offer this disclaimer? With the advent of incredible breeding and propagation techniques, we have seen the introduction of sterile cultivars of barberry, buddleia, and other invasive plants. Many might say they should be banned completely. I won’t argue that point, but it is my belief that we can offer suitable replacements while removing the possibility of plant invasion. Sunjoy Mini Maroon, Sunjoy Todo, Crimson Cutie, and Lemon Glow are all examples of barberry that do not reseed. The same can be found in other genera, species, and cultivars. This may very well afford us the ability to maintain some versatile plants in the landscape while removing the invasive trait.

Funny, I often wonder if those people who might be purists, I respect your opinion, would be content eating the original Zea mays plant grown by Native Americans. I have my doubts. I don’t want to muddy the waters here, but I would ask those of you who might disagree to have an open mind, as I like to think I do.

Make no mistake: this legislation needed to be enacted. Simply think about loosestrife, which wreaked havoc on our meadows and native marshy areas. Elaeagnus is a glaring example of a plant that simply got away. The plant grows like a weed and has fragrant flowers. Try to keep it contained. Good luck. Phyllostachys is a bit of a nightmare. Try to stop it from spreading. Yes, I know they sell barriers to prevent the spread. Do we really need to go to those lengths? In my opinion, it is simply better to lose that plant.

The muddy waters refer to the native movement. I believe that invasive plants and the native purist movement are somewhat intertwined. We don’t just want to be responsible; we need to be responsible. I mentioned the native movement, as it is real and genuine. I have spent many years immersed in this industry. It’s a passion, as it is for most employees at Plant Detectives.

I recently did a Tree Tip on Moonrise Maple. I very much appreciated a comment about trying to substitute a native species for this maple. I support that camp and will never throw cold water on it; however, I defy anyone to find a suitable substitution of a native plant for a Moonrise. Perhaps you might achieve a height/width requirement, but so many plants are unique. Live and let live.

Having spent so much time, maybe too much time, learning so many plants, I would feel slighted not being able to use the entire palette. I can’t imagine telling Renoir, Monet, and the like that they can only use red, yellow, and green. Perhaps we do away with wagyu beef, caviar, or Veuve Clicquot. I hope you might understand my point. Let’s be responsible, but exercise moderation. In no way, shape, or form do I mean any disrespect to those of differing opinions. I simply ask that you consider my point.

I applaud the powers that be in New Jersey who implemented this responsible legislation, but I do have to ask: what took so long? Remain open to new cultivars and ideas relative to gardening. Be tolerant of differing opinions. Understand that moving forward, there will be a number of somewhat staple plants that will no longer be available, and be grateful that this is being addressed.

I harken back to the onset of boxwood blight in this country. I spent many sleepless nights trying to decide how I would replace those plants in the nursery. Substitutions of plum yew, Ilex crenata, and Osmanthus, to name a few, entered the fray. As always happens, responsible growers and breeders developed blight resistant cultivars. We adapt and move forward.

Respectfully yours,